Summary

  • Chelsea and head coach Enzo Maresca part ways by mutual consent

  • Italian leaves after deterioration in relationship with club's hierarchy

  • Former Leicester boss joined Chelsea in 2024 and won Europa Conference League and Club World Cup

  • Chelsea won one of six Premier League games in December and two of eight in all competitions

  • Is the right decision? Who next for Chelsea? Have your say using the Get Involved button on this page.

Your views as Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea

Live Reporting

Alex Brotherton, Ben Ramsdale and Alastair Telfer

  1. Chelsea's busy January

    Chelsea

    It is set to be a very busy January for Chelsea. In their initial statement announcing Enzo Maresca's departure there was no further detail about an interim appointment or the process that may follow to appoint a new head coach.

    Chelsea have nine games in January in four different competitions. Here's what in store this month:

    • 4 January: Man City, away (Premier League)
    • 7 January: Fulham, away (Premier League)
    • 10 January: Charlton, away (FA Cup third round)
    • 14 January: Arsenal, home (Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg)
    • 17 January: Brentford, home (Premier League)
    • 21 January: Pafos, home (Champions League)
    • 25 January: Crystal Palace, away (Premier League)
    • 28 January: Napoli, away (Champions League)
    • 31 January: West Ham, home (Premier League)

  2. Get Involved - 'I am glad Maresca has gone'

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    As a Chelsea supporter I'm glad Maresca has gone. He had no idea how to change things during the game to get a better result.

    David, Milton Keynes

    His style of play - sideways, sideways, backwards etc won over very few fans, especially when we needed to attack. Our 'wingers' run, stop and go backwards! We became bored and the atmosphere was sucked out of the Bridge. We need a dynamic Coach, not a 'Yes' man!

    Lawrence, London

    Maresca's time was up poor run of results, too much tinkering with the team and boring style of football fans had had enough! We need a big name manager now to attract players and get the current ones back on track Estevao needs to start every game.

    Alan, Peacehaven

  3. 'The writing was on the wall'

    Pat Nevin
    Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

    When the eyes and media start asking questions upstairs, that’s when they hate it.

    I thought his days were numbered after the Everton comments.

    The writing was on the wall.

  4. How did Maresca compare to other Premier League managers?

    Chelsea

    During his time in charge at Chelsea, Enzo Maresca was in charge of 57 Premier League games.

    Five other managers have overseen the same number: Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Newcastle's Eddie Howe, Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.

    Arne Slot, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Frank, Oliver Glasner and Marco Silva have all managed 56 games in that time.

    Maresca's 28 wins is the fifth highest in that time, behind Slot, Arteta, Guardiola and Emery. That's probably roughly where you'd expect him/Chelsea to be with their young squad.

    His win percentage of 49.12 is also fifth best, behind those managers. Slot leads the way at 62.5%, with Guardiola (60.71%), Arteta (59.65%) and Emery (54.39%) above Maresca.

    Enzo Maresca shakes hands with Arne SlotGetty Images

  5. Get Involved - 'Disappointed but not surprised'

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    Very disappointed but not surprised, management should realise that you need some sort of continuity if you are to be successful, it’s not instantaneous….

    Vince, Teddington

    Just goes to show how involved and influential the owners and hierarchy are at Chelsea, always been a bad place to be a manager, but if you look at their overall results the last 2 months, it’s been ok, just another shocking decision by the owners.

    Jonny, Swansea

    What are Chelsea like as a club. They currently hold 2 trophies inc being World Champions but are going through a dip in form. They do not value stability. Think Maresca has handled things very well in a chaotic environment of mass signings & big player transitions.

    Paul, Northwich

  6. 'I am not shocked as it is the Chelsea way'

    Pat Nevin
    Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

    I am not shocked or mildly surprised as it is the Chelsea way.

    How many managers have a go at their board? They hate it.

  7. 'Directors have to be next to go after another failing' - fan view

    Will Faulks
    Chelsea fan writer

    Chelsea have announced that Enzo Maresca is no longer the club's manager, ending a fevered morning of speculation about his future.

    While in hindsight the clues were all there that the Italian was on his way out - from the cryptic comments about a lack of support, to the failure to attend the post-match press conference after a draw on Tuesday - it still has all come crashing down very quickly for a coach who was the Premier League's manager of the month for November.

    Maresca's unhappiness with things behind the scenes was palpable, and clearly it was felt internally that the cloud around him was affecting results. The Blues made it one win in seven Premier League games by failing to beat with Bournemouth earlier this week.

    Chelsea are now looking for their fifth permanent manager since being bought by their current ownership in May 2022. The higher that number gets, the more embarrassing the situation becomes for those owners and the people they have appointed to run the club.

    While Chelsea fans were hardly universally positive in their views on Maresca, they are far more united in their dislike of the sporting directors at the club. These are the people who are appointing the managers who keep getting fired, and they surely must be the next to go after failing with yet another appointment.

    Those failures, combined with their largely dire record in the transfer market since taking control in 2023, is more than enough evidence that they are a bigger problem than any individual coach. The ownership continue to take a lot of flak too, in part for keeping their faith in the likes of current sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

    A new managerial appointment will be made in the coming days - but until things higher up the chain change, it seems inevitably that we're back in this same place in a year or two.

    Enzo Maresca reacts on the touchline during Chelsea's victory against Cardiff City.Getty Images

  8. How does Maresca compare to other Chelsea managers?

    Chelsea

    Since his appointment in June 2024, Enzo Maresca has been in charge of 92 Chelsea games across all competitions.

    He has overseen 55 wins, 16 draws and 21 defeats in that time.

    That leaves his win percentage at 59.8%, which is seventh-best among Chelsea managers in the Premier League era.

    Maresca is below Avram Grant (66.7%), Antonio Conte (65.1%), Jose Mourinho (63.6%), Maurizio Sarri (61.9%), Carlo Ancelotti (61.5%) and Thomas Tuchel (60%).

    Maresca is above the likes of Rafael Benitez, Roberto Di Matteo, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Claudio Ranieri, Guus Hiddink and Mauricio Pochettino though.

    It is is worth noting though that a lot of them have managed Chelsea in the Champions League throughout their tenure, not in the Europa Conference League.

  9. Get Involved - 'His style of football is unwatchable'

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    Don't want to say we told you so, but most Leicester fans said he wouldn't last much past Xmas. Very high maintenance manager who thinks he's better than the Pep. Boring football too.

    Miguel, Leicester

    It was thought to be sour grapes from Leicester supporters when we welcomed his departure. I think level headed supporters will recognise that whether successful or not his style of football is unwatchable and his aloof attitude wins few friends.

    Chris, Leicester

    It surprised me that Chelsea came in for him. He was always popular with the players but only ever had Plan A. Comfortably the best squad in the Championship. Looked nailed on for 100 goals and 100 points but faded once other teams worked him out.

    John, Leicester

  10. MOTD pundits discuss set-piece problems

    Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Rob Green discuss where Chelsea fell short in defending set pieces in their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

  11. Get Involved - 'Should have stuck with Maresca'

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    I recall Arsenal fans saying the same thing about Arteta over his first few years at Arsenal. Now look at them. Should have stayed with Maresca. Who is available to to do better with such a young squad?

    Paul, Barton upon Humber

    I’m very disappointed to see Maresca go especially midway through the season. I have no confidence that we’ll get a good replacement. Maresca got us back where we needed to so I always backed him. I fully blame the board for their constant involvement not allowing the manager any freedom.

    Hamza, London

    Gutted, I don't agree with getting rid of Enzo, he did a great job with the team and won 2 trophies. Yes the results haven't been great recently but everyone has a blip. He has always been under-rated as a manager of one of the "big" teams.

    Steve, Oxford

  12. How did Maresca do in the Premier League?

    Chelsea

    In his first season in charge Enzo Maresca led Chelsea to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, while they sit fifth this campaign.

    The Italian has managed 57 top-flight games during his time in charge.

    He won 28, drew 15 and lost 14, giving him a win percentage of 49.1%.

    Chelsea have averaged 1.74 points per game in the Premier League during Maresca's tenure.

    That is joint-12th best record of the 21 Chelsea managers to oversee 10 or more games in the Premier League era.

  13. 'Thank you for everything' - Cucurella to Maresca

    Chelsea

    Enzo Maresca and Marc CucurellaGetty Images

    Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has posted on Instagram about Enzo Maresca's departure.

    The Spaniard said: "Thank you for everything, mister, and to your staff. For the work and the trust from day one, and for the memories!

    "Wishing you all the best in what comes next. Good luck, boss!"

  14. We'll be taking a look at who some of the early front-runners are for the role shortly and the list does include some former players.

    Spoiler alert, however, John Terry is not one of them.

  15. Get Involved - 'John Terry an ideal candidate'

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    They keep on employing the wrong people for the job I personally think John Terry is an ideal candidate for the position.

    Patrick, Barking

    John Terry. Give him the job. You will never hear Stamford Bridge so loud.

    Piers, Fulham

    John Terry all day long, he would sort the players out...

    Paul, Oxfordshire

    Put John Terry in charge it’s what all of Chelsea want and need happy new year.

    Kev, Exmouth

  16. How have Chelsea and Maresca done this season?

    Chelsea

    This season was meant to be another of progress for Chelsea. Enzo Maresca did well in his first season in charge last campaign, securing a top-four finish as well as silverware in the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup.

    This is where he leaves Chelsea this season:

    • Premier League: Fifth - two points off the top four, but 15 off leaders Arsenal
    • Champions League: 13th - two points off the top eight that secures a last-16 spot with two games remaining
    • Carabao Cup: Into the semi-finals v Arsenal
    • FA Cup: Start campaign against Charlton on 10 January

    Despite their decent position in the Premier League, their win percentage is just 42.1% this season. Chelsea have won eight of their 19 games, drawing six and losing five.

    In the Champions League, Chelsea have won three of their six matches, losing two and drawing the other.

  17. Points dropped from winning positions

    Premier League only - 2025-26 season

    As Colin mentioned in the texts, Chelsea have dropped 15 points from winning positions so far this season in the Premier League.

    That's more than any other side.

    • Chelsea - 15
    • Bournemouth - 13
    • Newcastle - 13
    • Brentford - 13
    • West Ham - 12
    • Man Utd - 12
    Wesley Fofana reacts with his head in his heads after Bournemouth score against Chelsea.Getty Images

  18. Get Involved - 'A clueless manager that didn't have a Plan A'

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    His own fault constantly changing team , selection, tactics, subs. We have lost 15 points from winning positions mainly due to him.

    Colin, Swindon

    Good riddance to bad rubbish. A clueless Manager who didn't have a plan A, let alone plan B, C or D. Now, onwards & upwards.

    Andy, Worcester

    Under Maresca Chelsea fail to create chances despite possession. Also the defending with centre backs trying to win balls in midfield leaving gaps behind, playing mindless passes into dangerous areas and the total inability to defend properly highlights Maresca's inability to coach. Trouble is who next?

    Dennis, Wivelsfield Green

  19. Timeline: Enzo Maresca's spell at Chelsea

    Chelsea

    Enzo Maresca sits in the Stamford Bridge dugout during his unveiling as Chelsea head coachGetty Images
    • 3 June 2024: Chelsea appoint Maresca on a five-year contract after the Italian leads Leicester to the Championship title
    • 15 December 2024: Maresca leads Chelsea to seventh consecutive win in all competitions and they are second in the Premier League, but the Italian says they are "not ready" to win the title and have to be "realistic"
    • 25 May 2025: Chelsea finish fourth in the Premier League and secure a place in the Champions League after a two-year absence
    • 28 May 2025: Chelsea, as was widely expected before the season, win the Europa Conference League, beating Real Betis 4-1 in the final
    • 13 July 2025: Chelsea win the Club World Cup for the second time, beating Champions League winners Paris St-Germain 3-0 in the final
    Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca readies to raise the championship trophy over his head as players ready to celebrate after winning the FIFA Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-GermainGetty Images
    • 15 August 2025: Maresca says he wants Chelsea to sign a centre-back with Levi Colwill injured, but the club prefer an "internal solution"
    • September 2025: Chelsea fail to win in three Premier League games, losing twice
    • 13 December 2025: Maresca says he has had his "worst 48 hours" at the club after a 2-0 win over Everton
    • 30 December 2025: Maresca does not do post-match media after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, with the club saying he is ill
    • 1 January 2026: Maresca and Chelsea part ways

  20. Chelsea's December

    Chelsea

    Ultimately it was a breakdown in relationship that has caused Enzo Maresca's time at Chelsea to come to an end, but they also suffered a mixed December result wise.

    The Blues won just one of six Premier League games and two of eight matches in all competitions.

    Here are their results in December:

    • 3 December: 3-1 defeat at Leeds (Premier League)
    • 6 December: 0-0 draw at Bournemouth (Premier League)
    • 9 December: 2-1 defeat at Atalanta (Champions League)
    • 13 December: 2-0 home win over Everton (Premier League)
    • 16 December: 3-1 win at Cardiff (Carabao Cup)
    • 20 December: 2-2 draw at Newcastle (Premier League)
    • 27 December: 2-1 home defeat by Aston Villa (Premier League)
    • 30 December: 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth (Premier League)