Chelsea have confirmed the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca, bringing an end to his tenure following a difficult spell of results in the Premier League.
The decision comes after the London club managed just one victory in their last seven league matches, a downturn that prompted discussions between the manager and the club hierarchy about the team's direction.
Despite the recent slump, Chelsea remain fifth in the Premier League standings with 30 points and are set to take on Manchester City in a high-profile clash this weekend. Their European campaign has also been mixed, with the Blues currently placed 13th in the UEFA Champions League group-stage phase.
In a statement announcing the separation, the club acknowledged Maresca's achievements and contribution during his time at Stamford Bridge.
"During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club's recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club," Chelsea said.
The statement further explained the reasoning behind the change, stressing the importance of meeting remaining targets this season.
"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track," it added.
Maresca's first year in charge had set a strong foundation. Chelsea finished fourth in the league, secured a return to Champions League football, and added two trophies to their cabinet by winning the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League. Those successes raised expectations, but the current campaign proved far more challenging.
Tensions grew as results dipped, with Maresca's relationship with both the club's board and sections of the fanbase becoming strained. The Italian coach admitted the pressure took a personal toll, describing the period before Chelsea's recent 2-0 victory over Everton as the "worst 48 hours of my life" amid criticism and uncertainty. Fan frustration was also evident, as he was booed by some supporters following a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth earlier in the week.
RECORD
Enzo Maresca's record at Chelsea (July 2024 - Jan 2026) includes winning the Conference League & FIFA Club World Cup in his first season, securing a 4th place Premier League finish, and achieving a 59.8% win rate (55 wins, 16 draws, 21 losses in 92 games).
