The news of the Enzo Maresca exit as Chelsea head coach on the first day of the new year has sparked controversy and begs the question of what fallout really happened behind the scenes.
In mid-December 2025, on the eve of their Carabao Cup clash against Cardiff City, Maresca was asked before the match if he still intended to remain Chelsea’s head coach. The question came as a result of growing speculations about his future and the comments he made about the “worst 48 hours” at the club.
In that pre-match press conference, Maresca dismissed the speculations and responded clearly that he remained absolutely committed to his job saying he had a contract until 2029 and wasn’t paying attention to the rumours.
His words gave Chelsea fans some sense of confidence that the man who led them to their first Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League trophies would remain with them. But just 17 days later, they woke up to the news of his sacking.
Enzo Maresca Exit: Unfair or Just?
Since the Clearlake-BlueCo consortium takeover in May 2022, Chelsea have continued the reputation of the Roman Abramovich era for instability in the managerial department, chopping and changing head coaches at the first sign of poor results or tension with the hierarchy.
In the space of just three years and seven months, the Blues have already made three permanent managerial appointments, with none lasting beyond 20 months at the club. From Graham Potter (seven months), to Mauricio Pochettino (11 months), and most recently Enzo Maresca (18 months), the pattern is hard to ignore.
If the dismissals of Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino could be justified on the grounds of underwhelming results and a lack of silverware, the Enzo Maresca exit raises far more serious questions.
The Italian guided Chelsea to a Champions League spot by finishing in the top four and delivered two trophies in his first season, all while working with the youngest squad in the league. Under those circumstances, his removal feels less like a footballing decision and more like a show of power, a clear message that no one challenges the board’s control.
What Really Led to Enzo Maresca’s Exit?
Despite being fourth in the Premier League table at the time of the news, 13th in the UEFA Champions League group with a strong chance of qualification, set for a Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal, and still active in the FA Cup third round, Enzo Maresca was still dismissed. On paper, his record suggested stability and progress, yet Chelsea’s board decided to part ways with the Italian coach.
Reports have since emerged that the decision was driven less by results on the pitch and more by internal tensions and a breakdown in trust with the club’s hierarchy, particularly co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
Sources indicate that Maresca’s public comments about experiencing the “worst 48 hours” of his Chelsea tenure – implying frustration with the board – did not sit well with them. The remarks were seen as airing private grievances in public, undermining the board’s authority.
In addition, Maresca’s working style reportedly clashed with the hierarchy over player management, rotation, and decision-making, creating friction behind the scenes. While he had delivered trophies, secured a top-four finish, and managed the youngest squad in the league that season, these internal disagreements appear to have outweighed his on-field achievements.
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Chelsea Protest: #Clearlake Out
20 days ago, the former Chelsea boss won the Premier League manager of the month for November. Today, fans are reading articles about the Enzo Maresca exit. Across social media platforms, fans have begun to make their voices heard and opinions known.
Over the last few days, a group of concerned supporters have come together to plan a peaceful protest against the direction their beloved club is heading. The Chelsea protest sends a clear message of unity amongst the fanbase and to hold the real decision-makers accountable – Behdad Eghbali, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
The protest scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Britannia Gate, Stamford Bridge, at 1pm will mark the second time since the takeover that Chelsea supporters have taken to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction with how the club is being run.
The Enzo Maresca exit was a clear example of the owners showing little commitment to sustainable development, instead reflecting a leadership driven by control and authority – determined to have the final say even in the club’s match tactics. Constant interference and a refusal to grant managers the autonomy to do their jobs not only creates an unbearable working environment, but also ensures that no manager can truly feel secure or supported.
Reports now claim that the Blues are set to turn to Strasbourg’s head coach, Liam Rosenior, to take over at the helm of the club.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 30.12.2025
