Chelsea statement in full as Enzo Maresca leaves position ahead of Manchester City trip

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Evening Standard

·1 Januari 2026

Chelsea statement in full as Enzo Maresca leaves position ahead of Manchester City trip

Maresca leaves Chelsea just months after guiding club to success in Conference League and Club World Cup

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea have parted company

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Enzo Maresca has left his position as manager of Chelsea.

Chelsea officially announced on New Year’s Day that they had parted company with the Italian by mutual consent just months after he had delivered two pieces of silverware.

Maresca led Chelsea to Conference League and Club World Cup glory in his first season in charge, but departs Stamford Bridge following an alarming dip in form which saw the side win once in seven Premier League matches.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is emerging as an early front-runner to replace Maresca.

A statement reads: “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 departs just a couple of days before Chelsea face Manchester City in the Premier League.

The club are expected to move swiftly to appoint a new head coach, though it remains to be seen if that will be in time for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.