In a dramatic start to 2026, Enzo Maresca has officially left his role as Chelsea head coach, ending his 18-month tenure at Stamford Bridge amid a poor run of form and mounting tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
Chelsea Sack Enzo Maresca: What Happened?
Chelsea Football Club and Enzo Maresca have parted company, with the club confirming his exit on January 1, 2026. The decision comes after a disappointing spell in the Premier League, where Chelsea managed only one win in their last seven league matches, leaving them fifth in the table and 15 points off league leaders Arsenal.
The official club statement thanked Maresca for his contributions, highlighting his success in winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup during his time in charge. However, the club stated that “a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track” as they push for key objectives including Champions League qualification.
Reports suggest that relations between Maresca and Chelsea’s leadership had been strained for several weeks, with disagreements over managerial authority and player management decisions adding to the unrest behind the scenes.
Was He Sacked or a Mutual Departure?
While many outlets report Maresca’s exit as a sack due to underperformance and internal disagreements, some sources have framed the departure as a mutual decision reached between the club and the coach. The official wording avoided explicitly saying “sacked,” instead focusing on the club and Maresca agreeing that now was the right time for a change.
This ambiguity reflects the broader sensitivity around managerial changes at top clubs, where both performance and managerial relationships influence outcomes.
Potential Replacements Lined Up
Chelsea are actively searching for a new head coach following Maresca’s exit. Among the names being discussed:
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Liam Rosenior, currently manager at Strasbourg, is reported to be a leading candidate and has been contacted by Chelsea sources.
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Other potential options are also being considered as the club seeks a long-term solution capable of stabilizing results and pushing for European qualification.
This managerial search comes as the London club navigates nine fixtures across four competitions in a packed January schedule — making the timing of the replacement crucial.
Why Did Maresca Leave Chelsea?
Several key factors contributed to Maresca’s departure:
Poor Recent Results
Chelsea’s league form dipped dramatically, leading to dwindling confidence from fans and officials alike.
Strained Internal Relations
Sources indicate a breakdown in trust between Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy, partly due to disagreements over tactical decisions and player workload management.
Public Comments & Controversy
Maresca’s public remarks last December — where he described a period at the club as his “worst 48 hours” — may have exacerbated tensions, signaling deeper issues behind the scenes.
These combined pressures ultimately made the coach’s position untenable, prompting Chelsea to act and seek a fresh direction.
Legacy & What’s Next
Despite the abrupt end, Maresca leaves behind memorable achievements, including European silverware and a restored Champions League berth for Chelsea. As he steps down, his future remains a subject of speculation — with links to other major clubs like Manchester City having circulated in recent weeks.
Chelsea, meanwhile, face a critical period of transition, hoping their next managerial appointment brings stability and renewed success in a season already filled with challenges.
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