Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea after 18 months in charge

Chelsea have parted company with Enzo Maresca following a mid-season slump in results and breakdown in relationship with the club.

The 45-year-old joined the Blues after guiding Leicester City to Premier League promotion in 2024.

He secured Champions League qualification and also won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup last season.

The Italian has faced increased pressure at Stamford Bridge after recent results and Tuesday’s 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth, leaving the Blues fifth in the Premier League standings.

He hinted at his discontent with Chelsea’s hierarchy last month when he said he had endured his worst ’48 hours’ since joining the Premier League club after their 2-0 victory over Everton.

Maresca was linked with the Manchester City post shortly after making his cryptic post-Everton remarks, and there was a feeling he was distracted in recent weeks.

Pep Guardiola talked up Maresca as one of the best coaches in the world. The pair worked together at City, and Maresca has been touted as a possible successor if Guardiola steps down.

Chelsea initially intended to assess his position at the end of the season if results improved, but Maresca’s unhappiness was a factor in them parting ways sooner.

The Club statement said, “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.”

Chelsea travel to the Etihad to face second-placed Manchester City on Sunday, and assistant manager Willy Caballero could be in charge.