Chelsea part ways with coach Enzo after recent string of poor performances and manager’s public comments about lack of support from board and fans
A frustrated Enzo Maresca during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw vs Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea head coach after 18 months in charge, the English Premier League (EPL) club announced Thursday. “Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” said a club statement. The Italian’s exit from Stamford Bridge comes with the club fifth in the EPL table — 15 points adrift of leaders and London rivals Arsenal — with one win in their last seven top-flight games.
Speculation about Maresca’s position increased during Chelsea’s poor run of recent results amid reports of a worsening relationship between the coach and the club’s hierarchy. “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,” said the club statement.
Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference following a frantic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, although his absence was attributed to illness. Maresca’s decision to substitute Cole Palmer just after the hour mark during the Bournemouth game was booed by Chelsea fans. The draw meant Chelsea had dropped 13 points at home from winning positions this season — the bulk of the 15-point deficit between the Blues and Arsenal.
Maresca has stood by comments made on December 13 after a league win at home to Everton when he said many people at Chelsea ‘didn’t support me and the team.’ He repeatedly refused to clarify the comments, although he insisted they were not an attack on the club’s supporters. The 45-year-old said the days leading up to the 2-0 win over Everton were his ‘worst 48 hours” at Chelsea.
Maresca’s stock at Chelsea was high after the Blues beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League in November. But damaging defeats by Leeds, Atalanta and Villa increased the pressure on the Blues boss. Maresca’s contract had been due to run until the summer of 2029.
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