Enzo Maresca has parted company with Chelsea following a run of one win in seven Premier League games and a tumultuous period which saw him fall out with senior figures at the club
Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea less than two weeks after he was forced to explain reports linking him with a move back to Manchester City. Maresca worked at City as a coach under Pep Guardiola and it has been hinted that he could replace his former colleague when the time comes.
It was reported in December that there was a ‘growing anticipation’ that it could be Guardiola’s final campaign at City, despite him penning a new deal until 2027 last year. City have reportedly put together a contingency plan for if their manager does decide to call time on his spell in charge, with Maresca one of the options.
Maresca parted ways with Chelsea on New Year’s Day following an escalation in tensions behind the scenes. Mirror Football understands that one of the reasons behind the breakdown in relationships was the Italian’s links with his former club.
Maresca had two spells working at Manchester City and Guardiola described him as “one of the best in the world” in early December, ramping up speculation he could be being groomed as his successor.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100 per cent speculation,” Maresca said when asked about the links to City in December. “And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things.
“First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club, and I’m very proud to be here. But again, it’s speculation.
“One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true. It’s important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation.”
Maresca joined Chelsea in June 2024 after winning promotion from the Championship with Leicester City. He won the Conference League and Club World Cup last summer after guiding the Blues to fourth in the Premier League to earn a return to the Champions League.
But he was sacked in a 99-word statement on New Year’s Day. 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.”