Chelsea have officially parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca, bringing an abrupt end to a turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge despite the club still being firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
The decision follows Tuesday night’s 2–2 home draw against Bournemouth, a result that left the Blues with just one win in their last seven Premier League matches, intensifying pressure on the Italian tactician.
Although reports on New Year’s Eve suggested Maresca’s future hinged on an immediate upturn in results, sources indicate the call to dismiss him had already been made, with a serious behind-the-scenes fallout playing a decisive role.
In a statement confirming his exit, Chelsea said:
“Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.
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.”
Maresca’s relationship with the club hierarchy had appeared strained for weeks. Following Chelsea’s 2–0 win over Everton on December 13, the former Leicester City boss revealed that the build-up to the match had been “the worst since I joined the club,” citing a lack of support. While he later clarified that his comments were meant “in general,” speculation mounted that tensions existed internally.
Subsequent reports claimed there had been a two-week breakdown in communication between Maresca and Chelsea’s top decision-makers. Matters came to a head after the Bournemouth draw, during which Maresca was booed by sections of the home crowd. Assistant coach Willy Caballero handled post-match media duties, with claims that Maresca was feeling unwell.
Despite the poor run of form, Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just three points off the top four, with Liverpool holding the final Champions League spot—ironically a side the Blues defeated earlier this season.
Maresca departs having delivered silverware, but amid growing unrest and fractured relationships, Chelsea’s hierarchy have opted for change as they attempt to salvage their season and return to Europe’s elite.
Club statement: Enzo Maresca.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 1, 2026