Enzo Maresca AXED at Chelsea: Manager leaves as club release brutal 99-word statement and eye three new boss options – but club legend ISN’T on the list
Daily Mail Sport understands Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea and the club hope to appoint a new manager within days.
The extraordinary deterioration in the relationship between the Italian and his bosses at Stamford Bridge had made his position untenable.
Maresca’s departure follows a turbulent period in which the team won just one of its last seven Premier League matches.
Chelsea have a small shortlist that includes bookies’ favorite Liam Rosenior. A plan is being made for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City but it is expected that Maresca’s replacement will be available in the near future and may even be able to officiate Wednesday’s derby at Fulham.
Daily Mail Sport understands former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, now at Marseille, is among those being considered by the Chelsea hierarchy, along with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
Cesc Fabregas and John Terry are not considered to be on the shortlist.
The writing was on the wall after Maresca’s spectacular outburst in which he claimed he endured his ‘worst 48 hours’ following the victory over Everton.
Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea after poor results and club hope to make an appointment soon – Liam Rosenior (right) on shortlist
The Blues have only won once in their last seven Premier League matches.
Club legends Cesc Fabregas (left) and John Terry (right) are not on the shortlist
Authorities were not seriously impressed by his public comments. The allegation is thought to relate to serious friction between the manager and the medical department, and ongoing disagreements over the management of injured players and their return to the field.
Reports that Maresca was linked with a return to Manchester City, where he previously worked under Pep Guardiola, did not impress Chelsea bosses either.
The aim is for the new manager to continue working under the same system, eliminating the need to make major changes midway through the season when the club remains fifth despite its recent performance.
In a statement from the club, the Blues said: ‘Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have left the company.
‘During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. These achievements will continue to be an important part of our Club’s recent history and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.
With key objectives still to be met across four competitions, including qualification for the ‘Champions League’, Enzo and the Club believe this change will give the team the chance to get the season back on track.
‘We wish Enzo success in the future.’
