Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tenure collapsed due to a volatile mixture of poor results, medical department disputes over player rotation, and the manager’s admission of talks with Manchester City.
Chelsea and Enzo Maresca officially “parted company” on New Year’s Day following a rapid breakdown in relations at Stamford Bridge.
While initial reports cited illness for his absence from the Bournemouth post-match press conference, sources reveal the manager intentionally boycotted media duties.
Tensions spiked after Maresca informed the board he had held discussions with Manchester City regarding their future managerial vacancy, a move that rendered his position “untenable” in the eyes of the Chelsea hierarchy.
The Athletic reports that internal conflict centered on Maresca’s refusal to follow medical department advice regarding player workloads.
Specifically, his decision to play Reece James for three full 90-minute matches in December caused significant friction with the club’s specialized staff.
Maresca, however, felt restricted by these mandates, with those close to him suggesting that “the impact medical department policy had on his selection decisions became a breaking point for him.”
Beyond medical disputes, the board expressed concern over a dip in results and Maresca’s reluctance to integrate young talents like Josh Acheampong.
While Maresca secured the Club World Cup during his tenure, his recent behavior was viewed by some as “arrogant,” mirroring a man seeking more individual influence.
With Liam Rosenior now the leading candidate to take over, the club hopes to stabilize a dressing room that reportedly valued Maresca’s tactical consistency.