Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca, with both parties agreeing to part ways in a bid to revive the team's faltering season.
Mutual Decision Amidst Dismal Run
The club announced on 1 January 2026 that they and the Italian manager had mutually agreed to separate. This decision comes during a significant dip in form, with Chelsea winning just one of their last seven Premier League matches. This poor sequence has seen them drop out of the coveted Champions League qualification spots.
In an official statement, Chelsea explained the rationale behind the change: "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."
A Tenure of Contrasting Fortunes
Maresca, who previously managed Leicester City, had been in charge at Stamford Bridge for 18 months. His tenure brought notable silverware, including the UEFA Conference League in his first season and the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, where Chelsea dominated Paris Saint-Germain in the final in New York. He also successfully guided the club back into the Champions League.
However, recent results have precipitated his exit. The club's statement thanked him for his contributions, noting: "Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history."
Internal Strains and Succession Plans
Signs of tension emerged publicly in mid-December when Maresca described the build-up to a victory over Everton as "the worst 48 hours" since his arrival. When pressed, he stated it was because "people didn't support me and the team," though he declined to specify if this referred to the club's hierarchy, fans, or media.
Under the ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea have shown a propensity for managerial changes. Maresca becomes the fourth boss dismissed following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino.
Early reports suggest Liam Rosenior, currently in charge at Strasbourg—a club sharing ownership with Chelsea—is the favourite to take over. Rosenior has prior experience managing Hull City in the English Championship.
Chelsea's immediate focus will be on appointing a successor to steer the club back towards their objectives in the Premier League and across all competitions.
