Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca leaves club after 18 months in charge

Chelsea have announced their head coach Enzo Maresca has left his role after 18 months in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian's departure follows a breakdown in relations with the club and a run of poor results, Sky Sports reported.

Maresca leaves with the west London side fifth in the Premier League - 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal - following one win from their last seven top-flight games.

The 45-year-old guided Chelsea to Champions League qualification via a fourth-placed finish last season, in addition to winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.

Sky Sports News had reported Maresca was on the brink of a Stamford Bridge exit and the Blues confirmed the news on New Year's Day.

Chelsea said in a statement: "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."

The former Leicester boss was appointed as successor to Mauricio Pochettino in June 2024.

Maresca's contract was due to run until 2029, with Chelsea holding an option for a further 12 months.

'Worst 48 hours'

Speculation of a rift with the Chelsea hierarchy had grown after Maresca claimed following his side's 2-0 win over Everton on 13 December he had endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club because "many people didn't support me and the team".

He then repeatedly refused to clarify the comments.

Maresca's final match was Tuesday's 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth.

Chelsea's next game

The west London side return to action on Sunday away to Manchester City, the first of nine fixtures across four competitions during a packed January schedule.

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Liam Rosenior, the head coach of French club Strasbourg, which is owned by Chelsea's parent company BlueCo, has emerged as the early favourite to replace Maresca among bookmakers.

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are other potential candidates.