Chelsea have sacked head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day due to rising internal tensions and links to Manchester City, despite him winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.
Chelsea Football Club stunned the footballing world on New Year’s Day by dismissing head coach Enzo Maresca.
Despite leading the Blues to silverware in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, the Italian was axed via a brief 99-word statement.
While Maresca secured a return to Champions League football and kept the team competitive, the club cited the need for a change to get the “season back on track.”
The dismissal follows a period of mounting tension between Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy, exacerbated by persistent speculation linking him to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola recently praised Maresca as “one of the best in the world,” fueling rumors that he was being groomed as a successor.
Addressing the links in December, Maresca stated: “It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100 per cent speculation… my focus is just about this club.”
The breakdown in the relationship reportedly stemmed from these external connections and internal disagreements over the club’s direction.
Chelsea’s statement noted: “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.”
Maresca departs after just six months in charge, having originally joined the London side on a contract intended to run until 2029.