Chelsea part ways with head coah Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca following a series of strained behind-the-scenes relationships between both sides after just 18 months in charge, having won the Conference League and the Club World Cup and then led the Blues back to the Champions League.

Chelsea’s form has dipped drastically, and pressure was starting to mount on Maresca, whose side has recorded just a single win in the last seven games.

Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted less than two years. During what appeared to be a fitting and professional relationship between the club and the Italian manager, tension and pressure had always been present, with the expectation that he would take the club to the next level. However, that ambition has now been cut short.

In his final days as the Blues manager, the 45-year-old was feeling the pressure from the club hierarchy to turn things around after a poor run of form. Chelsea was to decide on Enzo Maresca as their poor form continued.

He missed his post-match media duties following the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday night in another sign that all was not right.

The Italian was booed by fans following the draw with Bournemouth, with assistant coach Willy Caballero stepping in for post-match media duties after Maresca reportedly felt too unwell to speak.

In December, he claimed many at the club were not supporting him or the team. Maresca described the lead-up to the 2-0 victory over Everton as “the worst 48 hours” of his time at the club.

On New Year’s Day, Chelsea became the latest Premier League club to swing the managerial axe, sacking Maresca and leaving the BlueCo ownership scrambling to find a suitable successor.

In a statement, Chelsea said: “Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.

“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.

“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.

“We wish Enzo well for the future.”