Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea after informing the club that he held talks about replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Italian’s departure was confirmed on New Year’s Day following a period of uncertainty and strained relations with the board.
Sources indicate that Maresca twice told Chelsea officials in late October and after the Everton win on 13 December that he had discussed succeeding Guardiola. The club were unimpressed with his approach and did not open contract talks, leading to an exit with a severance package agreed.
Tensions escalated over Maresca’s refusal to follow medical advice on player rotation. He pushed for more control over returning injury-prone players like Reece James and Cole Palmer, but the sporting leadership insisted on strict load management. This conflict contributed to Chelsea’s poor run of one win in seven games.
Maresca said his goodbyes to staff and players on Thursday morning. The club’s statement thanked him for winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, adding that a change gives the best chance for the season. Chelsea, currently fifth, face Manchester City on Sunday.
Liam Rosenior, manager of partner club Strasbourg, is a leading candidate to replace Maresca. The Italian’s tenure lasted 18 months, marked by cryptic comments about his ‘worst 48 hours’ and boos from fans after a draw with Bournemouth.
