Chelsea hand Enzo Maresca two-year performance assessment lifeline

Chelsea have reportedly decided to hand their manager, Enzo Maresca, a two-year performance assessment lifeline before a formal audit on his performance with the new owners.

The extensive ultimatum indicates a sign of confidence from the new owners for the Italian manager – giving him enough time to implement his ideas before any decision is made on his future.

An assurance that whatever the outcome of the last three fixtures would not have any bearing on his time with the London club, especially in this current campaign.

Maresca, who signed a five-year contract with Chelsea in 2024, must win his final two Premier League games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to be certain of qualifying for next season’s elite European competition by finishing in the top five of the table.

The 45-year-old manager can also win a trophy if Chelsea beats Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final, finishing his first season with an European trophy to his name.

Achieving those two feats would be viewed as a successful season for Maresca, which remains the plan even if Chelsea falls short of their main objective of qualifying for the Champions League football.

The Blues hierarchy are well aware of Maresca’s suitors, and are not in a hurry to make an uninformed decision on the manager’s future yet.

However, their focus is rather directed towards finishing high in the Premier League and preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup slated for June.

Despite Chelsea’s ambitious project, a full assessment of Maresca’s performance is not anticipated to take place until the end of next season unless the club are forced to change that plan by unforeseen circumstances or results.

That said, Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League in those two seasons may put his future under scrutiny, and call for a reassessment of his future at the club.

With Maresca assured to keep his job at the end of this season, he will become the longest-serving head coach under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership, who sacked all three predecessors before their contracts expired.

Chelsea are seen to have made progress under Maresca, which has reflected in their style of play, and that is seen as a positive stride under the Italian.

For now, Pep Guardiola’s former assistant’s future is secured for the next two seasons until further notice, and could yet finish his first season as Chelsea head coach with a trophy – which is the main focus for the club and manager now.