BBC Sport's Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella breaks down Enzo Maresca's exit from Stamford Bridge.
He told Match of the Day that Maresca "accelerated" the process, and he was the one who wanted to leave mid-season. He adds that Chelsea, who were not 100% convinced by Maresca, would have preferred it if the Italian departed at the end of the season.
West Ham are interested in out of favour Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling. (Talksport), external
Chelsea are interested in 18-year-old Greece and Genk midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, who has also been linked with Arsenal. (Mirror), external
Chelsea are considering making an offer for Santos' 19-year-old Brazilian defender Souza, although AC Milan are frontrunners for his signature. (AS - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesSo where are we now after 18 months, two trophies, highs, lows - and finally Enzo Maresca's exit on Thursday.
It took time for Chelsea fans to warm to the Italian, with the scars of Graham Potter's calamitous reign, Frank Lampard's ill-fated caretaker spell, and the ambivalent season under former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino still fresh.
Maresca did not arrive with a stellar CV at managerial level - though had won the Championship title with Leicester City - and his style of play did not immediately set pulses racing.
Like the Boehly-Clearlake-Eghbali ownership regime, he had to prove himself to a fanbase desperate for an identity to cling on to after a purgatorial first few years post-Roman Abramovich's exit.
Last season's late run to secure Champions League qualification, followed by the Conference League win and impressive Club World Cup triumph, went a long way to endear Maresca.
This season, the late win over Liverpool, the 3-0 dismantling of Barcelona and the battling point against Arsenal with 10 men, all at Stamford Bridge, strengthened a connection that felt as if it was really beginning to bourgeon.
Despite frustration at some recent performances and results, it is not a breakdown in relationship between manager and supporters that has lead to Maresca's exit. The away end singing the Italian's name after the Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City on 16 December was a vocal show of their backing.
It is Maresca's runs down the touchline in celebration - famously during the epic storm-hit long win against Benfica at the Club World Cup and after Estevao Willian's late winner against Liverpool in October - that will live long in the memory of the fans. Not those in the directors' box.
The accusation against the board is that its members are not interested in a big-hitter manager with a big personality who could bring a haul of major trophies, but instead want a yes-man who will toe the party line and work within the guidelines provided.
Because fans do not trust the ownership, they are wary of the managers they appoint. Building trust takes time and that has seemingly just been reset once again.
When Maresca was appointed, I wrote on this page that the move "contributes to the identity crisis Chelsea are enduring, and the feelings of detachment from the club fans are suffering as a result".
Now, parting ways with him has arguably had the same result. Will the next appointment not just start this process all over again?
Image source, Getty ImagesLiam Rosenior has emerged as the leading contender to replace Enzo Maresca as Chelsea boss.
Rosenior's current employers are owned by investment vehicle BlueCo - the consortium set up to purchase Chelsea in 2022.
The 41-year-old, who previously managed Hull City, has significant backing internally at Chelsea and it is understood candidates to replace him at Strasbourg are being considered because of his possible departure.
Sources have stressed to BBC Sport that other candidates are also under consideration, with Porto's Francesco Farioli also been mooted as a possibility.
Where does Rosenior rank among the candidates for you? Do you think he would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge? And is he ready for the job?
Come back to this page on Friday to read a selection of your responses
Some Chelsea players have posted on social media to wish Enzo Maresca well after the Italian left his role as Blues manager on Thursday.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeft-back Marc Cucurella posted on Instagram:, external "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!"
Robert Sanchez thanked Maresca, external and his coaching team of Willy Caballero, Roberto Vitiello, Danny Walker, Michele de Bernardin and Marcos Alvarez: "Thank you for everything Enzo, Mickey, Willy, Dani, Marcos and Robi.
"Very grateful for the trust and the memories we shared, those will live with me forever. Wishing you all the best for the future, will miss you all."
Image source, Getty ImagesDefender Levi Colwill posted a tribute to Maresca on his Instagram story, external, on the background of the picture above: "Not just a top manager but a top person. Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure to work with you and create great memories."
Aaron Paul and guests discuss the departure of Enzo Maresca from his role as head coach of Chelsea in the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
BBC Sport's Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella offers insight into the story, with former Blues winger Pat Nevin weighing in as well.
We hear from fans Tom Overend and Anita Abayomi, while former Premier League forwards Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin join the pod to discuss the news and Chelsea's future.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on who should come in next at Stamford Bridge after the exit of head coach Enzo Maresca.
Here are some of your comments:
Eric: Frank Lampard as the manager and John Terry as assistant. It's called applied logic, so pay whatever it takes to make it happen. After all, everything else has failed.
Colin: It has to be Lampard with Terry alongside him. They are both legends at the club, and they both know it inside and out.
James: I'd like to see Roberto de Zerbi or Oliver Glasner get the job. However, I'm not sure why the managers always find themselves on the receiving end of the stick - the board needs to clean up its mess and take some responsibility.
Xavier: Glasner is the man to go after. He might speak out eventually, but he will bring us short-term gain, which is something we desperately need.
Dean: Get Xavi. He is a free agent and great at building teams for the future.
Othniel: Xavi took over Barcelona during one of the most turbulent periods in their history (2021) and successfully stabilised the club.He was instrumental in the integration and rise of Gavi, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. So, for a Chelsea squad featuring the likes of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Xavi's ability to refine technical profiles and trust young players could be the key to finally unlocking the squad's long-term potential.
Amaka: Please bring back Jose Mourinho.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Chelsea winger Pat Nevin says Enzo Maresca's departure was inevitable as managers coming back from criticising their boards "just doesn't happen".
The Italian boss said "many people" had made it his "worst 48 hours" since joining the club after beating Everton in December.
Early candidates to be Maresca's successor include Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior and Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi, but Nevin believes it does not matter who the next man is if they do not play ball with the Chelsea's hierarchy and that the club will opt for someone "young and easy to manipulate".
"Not stunned, not shocked. Mildly surprised but no more than that," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Over the years, look how many managers have a dig at their board and then survive the next crisis after that. It is minuscule.
"As soon as he said what he said after the Everton game, I thought his days were numbered.
"I know how board members react - they can put up with anything as long as it's the manager taking the hit. This was an absolute stick-on."
Nevin added: "Chelsea need someone who is going to buy into the methodology. Another way to say that is you need a puppet. Someone who does exactly what they are told from above.
"Chelsea want success. They want the points to get top four or five and into the Champions League every season. But they want something else. They want someone who will do what they tell them to do. Those two things may not be compatible.
"Liam Rosenior sounds like a really good idea, but he's never done it at this level. To bring someone in who doesn't have that level of experience is a massive, massive chance to take.
"They will get someone in who is young and easy to manipulate."
Will Faulks
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWhile in hindsight the clues were all there that Enzo Maresca was on his way out - from the cryptic comments about a lack of support, to the failure to attend the post-match news conference 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 Bournemouth.
Chelsea are now looking for their fifth permanent manager since being bought by the 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 sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. 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 continues to take a lot of flak too, in part for keeping faith in the sporting directors.
A new managerial appointment will be made in the coming days - but until things higher up the chain change, it seems inevitable we will be back in this same place in a year or two.
Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Chelsea and Enzo Maresca parting ways.
Here are some of your comments:
James: Maresca knew the score when he took over and recent results, as well as some strange tactical decisions, have been his downfall. The hierarchy and sporting directors are to blame, and until the club changes its recruitment policy, nothing will change. What manager of any quality will want to work under this regime and these conditions? Not many, I suspect!
Finn: Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and now Maresca all left by "mutual consent". This isn't a coincidence, it's a pattern which shows how toxic the ownership is. The most disconnected I've felt as a fan and there's nobody to blame for that but Clearlake Capital.
Wendy: When will the powers that be at Chelsea learn? Maresca has done a good job with the team. Credit to him for his patience with Reece James, and we are now seeing huge benefits, so we can understand why he was not overplaying Cole Palmer. Until we allow a coach/manager to actually have his own input into where gaps need filling, who are the best players for a game, etc, we will never reach sustained success.
Bryan: The time has surely come to get rid of the two sporting directors. If there were an award for how to destroy a world-class manager, the Chelsea sporting directors would win it every year. Stop the rot - get rid of them now!
However, there are some fans who believe this is the best course of action.
Micky: It's the right decision. Conceding too many soft goals. Players like Alejandro Garnacho ball watching has happened on numerous occasions. It's fundamental - if you don't stay goalside of the player you're marking, you shouldn't be on the pitch. It's the manager's responsibility to pick the team. Simple.
Tommy: Strange appointment in the first place, with a strange reign to follow. Poor results, tactically not all there - similar patterns to his tenure at Leicester City. I'd rather go for Daniel Farke or Regis le Bris over Liam Rosenior - just look how Will Still fared.
Peter: Maresca was always out of his depth and didn't seem to prepare well enough for so-called lesser games, and he needed to consistently pick his best team, which he failed to do.
Clive: Best thing for all concerned. He has been slowly pulling away from the club for a while. Rip the plaster off quickly rather than prolong the agony even further.
Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAs it stands, Chelsea will face Manchester City on Sunday without a manager, and it is not known who will take charge of training before then.
Willy Caballero, who moved from Leicester City alongside Enzo Maresca in 2024, deputised when the Italian served touchline bans, and with no announcement yet about his future, he could be an option.
Chelsea met Marseille's former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi and are admirers of his work. They also interviewed Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank before appointing Maresca.
Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg is a name to watch and will certainly be a candidate.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth counterpart Andoni Iraola are also likely to be considered.
Any new manager will not have a different style of play and will be a permanent appointment, not interim.
Who do you want to see succeed Maresca and why?
Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter
At the end of November, Chelsea appeared in a harmonious place, with the team third in the Premier League and having recently dismantled Barcelona in the Champions League.
Just one league win followed in December but it is not just results that added to the focus on Enzo Maresca, with fissures emerging between the Italian and the club's hierarchy.
Maresca stunned key figures at the club - and even his own staff - when, after beating Everton 2-0 for Chelsea's solitary Premier League win in December, he said "many people" had made it his "worst 48 hours" since joining the club.
Those comments came from a position of strength after a good performance but were viewed dimly by the club hierarchy, at whom they appeared to be aimed.
Despite that, the plan remained to conduct an end-of-season review to decide whether to move forward with Maresca or part company.
Those with knowledge of Maresca's views, though, said he was capable of walking away having grown unhappy at a multitude of factors, including encouragement to pick certain players, and a lack of protection from the club over the quality of his work.
His departure comes with Chelsea in an unsettling position, closer to 15th than third, with a challenging run of fixtures ahead, including matches against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Napoli. The club's primary aim this season remains Champions League qualification, alongside domestic cup ambitions.
Chelsea players are due to return to training on Friday, with the club now preparing for a key month under new leadership.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere is Chelsea's statement announcing the departure of Enzo Maresca:
"Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.
"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."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Enzo Maresca potentially leaving Chelsea before this weekend's Premier League game against Manchester City.
Here are some of your comments:
Oliver: Maresca leaving is not the solution to Chelsea's problems. We've seen this before with Mauricio Pochettino. The only thing that will fix this is a change in the hierarchy, especially the sporting directors, and Chelsea fans need to be more vocal about this, as whenever a protest of some sort happens, we pick up some form and everyone forgets about it until we're bad again, so there should be discontent all the time for Chelsea fans.
Robin: It would be madness to sack him now, with so many games coming thick and fast. Stay with him until the end of the season at least.
Eljay: I actually feel sorry for Maresca. It seems clear that the hierarchy at Chelsea are the ones dictating who plays. He is clearly not happy, and no-one should have to work like that.
Jordan: Obviously, the position from both sides is untenable, so Maresca will go. But surely questions have to be asked of upper management and the recruitment policy? If Chelsea seriously want to contend, we need ready-made stars signed to supplement the wealth of young developing players.
However, some Chelsea fans would not be too unhappy to see Maresca leave the club.
Maurizio: Not surprised. He's done a great job considering how inexperienced the squad was when he started his tenure. We have had some success. But he is struggling to guide them with any kind of consistency, and I just can't see him taking them any further. Got some fantastic players and the foundations are there. Time for someone to take them to the next level.
Andrew: Maresca isn't getting the best out of the squad. If the current dire form continues, we won't make the top four. That's a strategic risk as some leading players will seek to move in that situation. So, new manager ASAP and target a heavyweight with a track record. An interim might be needed to bridge the gap.
Jon: The writing has been on the wall for Maresca in the past few weeks. His poor selection and substitutions have cost the side. Too much tinkering.
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter the news that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca could leave his post before Sunday's match against Manchester City, we want your thoughts on what's going on at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have won just once in their past seven Premier League matches and are fifth in the table - 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Relations between Maresca and the club's hierarchy have deteriorated.
After their draw with Bournemouth on 30 December, assistant manager Willy Caballero said Maresca felt too unwell to speak to the media, but it is understood his absence was more due to him considering his next steps.
There are reports of a board meeting on Thursday to address the situation.
So, how are you feeling about this? Would it be best for Maresca to leave now or should the Italian stay at Stamford Bridge?
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
A normal Premier League season may run from August to May, but what happens if we stop the table now? What if it was only what happened in 2025 that counted?
With the calendar flicking over to 2026, this is the ideal time to check back on which teams have had an enjoyable 12 months and see who had a year to forget.
The top five is an accurate reflection of this season's top five (although it should be noted not all teams have played the same number of games).
Arsenal have led the way this campaign and, after coming up short last season, they will be striving to go one better to finally secure an elusive first Premier League trophy since 2004.
If looking just at the past 12 months, the title would be theirs, despite a number of draws early in 2025.
Having gone through their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola late in 2024 and early into 2025, alongside their initial poor start to this season, it may be surprising to find Manchester City so close at the top.
But a feature of this City side under Guardiola is their ability to recover from less than impressive starts and go on winning streaks - they are currently on a run of six wins in the league.
Aston Villa fans can look also back fondly on 2025, having experienced the return of Champions League football, secured more European football again this term and found themselves in a battle for the Premier League trophy.
They may have had a slow start this season but their general consistency in 2025 and a club record-equalling run of 11 straight wins in the final weeks catapults them into the top three.
Having won the title with ease last season, Liverpool fans can still revel in that achievement. But a drop-off at the end of 2024-25 and a poor run this time around leaves them fourth for the year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea made progress in 2025 under Enzo Maresca, with Champions League football and two bits of silverware, but a lack of consistency in a young team prevents them ascending higher than fifth.
When looking at the next five, there are perhaps some surprises.
With their FA Cup win, 2025 will go down in Crystal Palace's history, and their Premier League form has not been too shabby either as they compete with the teams that have occupied Champions League spots in recent seasons.
No Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa? No problem for Brentford. They may have had a summer of upheaval but that has not stopped the Bees buzzing as they continue to perform above expectations.
After a few years of struggles on and off the pitch, 2025 seems to be the one Everton fans can finally start to look up rather than down with the new stadium and return of David Moyes bringing much-needed stability.
Newcastle may have had a few ups and downs, but they have come good when needed and hold their own in the top six, while Brighton continue to establish themselves firmly in the top 10.
Find out how the bottom half of the table shapes up on the post below
Now, what about those who may have had a less enjoyable 2025?
Manchester United continue to try to find their feet under Ruben Amorim. And while there have been glimmers of progress in recent weeks, a torrid first half of the year has left them with much room for improvement (and a draw with Wolves to end 2025 only added to the questions).
Bournemouth and Fulham both seem to have found consistency in their ability to be inconsistent.
There have been bursts of form from both, but also bouts of disappointment they might rather forget.
As for Nottingham Forest, 2025 may have been the year they returned to Europe for the first time in nearly three decades, but when it came to results in the league, particularly this season, it has been more of one to forget.
Under their third head coach of the season, they will hope 2026 does not bring the return of Championship football.
Like Forest, Tottenham's 12 months has been memorable for both the good and the bad.
A first trophy in 17 years was secured in the Europa League, but it has been far from impressive in the Premier League, managing just 11 wins from 37 matches and some pressure already building on boss Thomas Frank.
One of the most notable things about the bottom end of the calendar year table is the presence of all three promoted teams, despite two of the three having played a game less than the relegated clubs of last season.
With Leeds nine points better off and Sunderland 17, it highlights the disparity in how well this year's promoted sides have done in comparison to the previous three.
For the Black Cats, it has been a dream return to the top flight, including a recent win over Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle, and in this season's table they find themselves just two points off fifth.
After overcoming a difficult patch, Leeds are also enjoying their return to the top table, slowly pulling themselves away from the danger spots.
It has been more of a struggle for Scott Parker's Burnley, but they will not lose hope with still half a campaign to go.
After recent successes with European football, domestically things have become a harder watch for West Ham supporters as they struggle to find the balance between good football and much-needed results
Then there is Wolves - and fans may want to look away.
Despite playing 20 Premier League games more, the West Midlands side accumulated only one point more than Sunderland across the year.
A win this term still eludes them and safety in 2026 appears a distant dream.
Check out how the top half of the table looked in the post above
Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel voted that video assistant referee (VAR) Peter Bankes was correct not to advise that Newcastle should be given a spot-kick in their match against Chelsea on 20 December.
Head coach Eddie Howe said the Magpies were refused a "stonewall" penalty when Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah barged Anthony Gordon to the ground.
Newcastle led 2-1 at the time, and the game finished 2-2. The club said they would be "seeking clarification" about the decision.
The panel felt referee Andy Madley should have awarded a spot-kick (3-2), but it didn't reach the threshold for a VAR intervention (3-2).
Those in favour of a penalty said "Chalobah makes no challenge for the ball and makes reckless shoulder, hip and leg contact".
But those against believed it was "robust, shoulder-to-shoulder contact with the ball in playing distance".
Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea's focus in the January transfer window is expected to be more on outgoings than incomings.
The Blues are not actively seeking new signings, but injuries or opportunities could force them into the market.
The west London club briefly enquired about Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, showing they are willing to change tack if they believe the right deal is available, but they declined to move forward after initial talks.
On the outgoing front, Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi – part of the so-called "bomb squad" – top the priority list and are available for sale or a domestic loan with Disasi attracting interest from Roma and Lyon.
Chelsea have already filled all six overseas loan slots, meaning they can only loan players within English football unless they recall one of their loanees. Strasbourg loanee Kendry Paez and Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino have been linked with returns.
Attacker Tyrique George saw a £22m deadline-day move to Fulham collapse and is allowed to explore opportunities for more first-team football.
Back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is also keen on a loan move, but Chelsea are not expected to let him go. Similarly, teenage defenders Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato are currently deemed unavailable for loan, despite the latter being linked with a return to his former club Ajax.
Older academy players such as Deivid Washington and Sam Rak-Sakyi will be able to explore potential loan options in English football, while academy midfielder Jimi Taurainen is available for sale and exploring his options.
Chelsea will still talk to potential major signings during January, but more with a view to acquiring them in the summer rather than in the winter window.
