NAIROBI, Kenya- Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have agreed that now is the best time for him to leave, the club confirmed. Both parties have decided the split is mutually beneficial.
Chelsea expect to announce a new head coach within days, selecting from a small number of candidates. Liam Rosenior is among the contenders. The club has been vetting candidates carefully and will make a permanent appointment.
The decision to part ways with Maresca was a unanimous board decision, with Chelsea stating that no individual is bigger than the club.
Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca.
According to Solhekol, the main reasons behind Maresca leaving Chelsea are:
1. Results
Chelsea have won only one of their last seven league games. They have lost 20 points from winning positions this season across the Premier League and Champions League, leaving the club under pressure.
2. Disagreements Over Return-to-Play Protocols
Maresca reportedly disagreed with the independent medical department, which has the final say on when players return from injury and how much they play. A Chelsea head coach cannot overrule these medical decisions.
3. Media Links and Distractions
Maresca’s reported links to other clubs in the media created distractions, especially when results were poor.
Maresca also refused to hold his post-match press conference after the Bournemouth game, which was seen internally as self-inflicted tension. Despite being involved in all decisions to sign players during his tenure, his relationship with the club leadership deteriorated.
Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea. Both Maresca and Chelsea agree now is the best time for him to go. Liam Rosenior is one of a handful of candidates who will be considered as a replacement. Chelsea expect to announce a new head coach in a matter of days. They will make a permanent
Solhekol notes that accusations of an immediate post-match debrief in the dressing room are considered an urban myth by Chelsea insiders. The leadership team enters the dressing room to support players, while technical staff conduct full reviews in the following days.
Maresca being linked with the Manchester City job coincided with a dip in form and increased disagreements over return-to-play protocols, contributing further to the decision for him to leave.
Chelsea now move quickly to appoint a new permanent head coach to guide the team through the rest of the season.