In a significant move, Chelsea Football Club announced on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the departure of their head coach, Enzo Maresca. The decision comes amidst a disappointing run of form, with the club stating that both parties believed a change was necessary to salvage the season.
A Trophy-Laden Yet Short Tenure
Enzo Maresca, who was appointed in 2024, enjoyed notable success during his 92-match reign at Stamford Bridge. He guided the Blues to two prestigious international trophies: the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His crowning moment was arguably the emphatic 4-0 demolition of Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final. Overall, he secured 55 victories, a respectable win rate.
The Cracks Begin to Show
The relationship between the club and the Italian manager began to fracture publicly following a 2-0 win over Everton on December 13, 2025. In the post-match press conference, a visibly frustrated Maresca revealed internal strife, stating, "The last 48 hours have been the hardest since I joined the club because so many people didn't support me and the team." This comment highlighted a growing disconnect behind the scenes.
Results on the pitch soon mirrored the off-field turmoil. Following those remarks, Chelsea's form nosedived. Their record in the last nine matches across all competitions shows just two wins. After the Everton victory, they managed only a single win against Cardiff City in the EFL Cup, alongside draws with Newcastle United and Bournemouth, and a loss to Aston Villa. This poor sequence saw them slip to 5th place in the Premier League table, jeopardising their key objective of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
An Official and Amicable Split
The club's official statement struck a respectful tone, acknowledging Maresca's contributions while underscoring the need for change. "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," the statement read. It further added, "With key objectives still to play for across four competitions... Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track."
The search for a new manager at Stamford Bridge begins immediately, with the club's hierarchy under pressure to appoint a successor who can revive their domestic campaign and secure a top-four finish. The departure of Enzo Maresca marks the end of a brief era that delivered silverware but ultimately fell short of the consistent excellence demanded at Chelsea.
