🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea
Confirmed: Maresca and Chelsea have parted ways with immediate effect.
Chelsea and Enzo Maresca have decided to go their separate ways, with an official statement released moments ago.
The Italian tactician has been in crisis talks with the Blues hierarchy over the last 24 hours, and it’s now been confirmed that he’s on his way out of Stamford Bridge, with the club already beginning work on hiring a replacement.
Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior is an early favourite for the role, while other sources have mentioned former Barcelona boss Xavi due to his availability.
Other names appreciated by Chelsea are Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
How Enzo Maresca ended up leaving Chelsea
Maresca’s exit may feel somewhat out of the blue, but recent results and performances have clearly fallen below expectations.
Chelsea have just one win from their last seven Premier League games, very quickly deteriorating from a side that looked like genuine title challengers to one now closer in points to 17th place Nottingham Forest than 1st place Arsenal.
Maresca has also publicly spoken out about issues at Chelsea, recently describing his “worst 48 hours” at the club…
Numerous sources suggest Maresca has not felt sufficiently backed by the club, while there is also the suggestion that he has come under pressure at times to use certain players more than others.
Chelsea official statement on Maresca exit
Chelsea FC have just moments ago released the following statement:
"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."
Do you think this was the right call? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!