Behdad Eghbali speaks publicly on Enzo Maresca’s departure for the first time

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the Chelsea News

·17 aprile 2026

Behdad Eghbali speaks publicly on Enzo Maresca’s departure for the first time

The departure of Enzo Maresca has had a negative impact on the season, and wasn’t a change Chelsea wanted to make according to co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

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Maresca left Chelsea on New Years Day after 18 months in charge, during which time he guided the Blues back to the Champions League, and won the Club World Cup and Conference League.

Chelsea moved quickly to appoint Liam Rosenior as his successor, but the Blues are enduring another difficult season.

Behdad Eghbali speaks on Enzo Maresca departure

Maresca delivered the most success of any Chelsea manager under the new ownership, and was clearly held in high regard by the players.

Marc Cucurella has said it’s a decision he wouldn’t have made, whilst Enzo Fernandez stated he didn’t understand why the decision was taken.

Under Maresca Chelsea had an identity and a structure, even if the football left a lot to be desired at times, and in a rare public appearance Eghbali has spoken on the Italian’s departure.

“Our policy has been no in-season changes,” he said as quoted by The Athletic.

“It’s not a change we wanted to make. It’s a change that had a bit of a negative impact in the season, when you’re changing systems and personnel, and it’s one we’ve got to fight our way out of.”

Eghbali also spoke on Rosenior, and said he believes he has the attributes to be a success at Chelsea, but that it’s a results based business.

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