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Chelsea Sack Enzo Maresca After Disastrous Run, Eye Champions League Salvage

Chelsea have officially parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca following a dismal run of just one win in their last seven Premier League matches. The decision comes despite Maresca delivering two major trophies, the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, in his first year at the club. The club's statement indicated both parties believed a change was necessary to revive their season and chase key objectives, including Champions League qualification. His departure comes three years before his contract was due to expire in 2029.

Key Points: Chelsea Fires Manager Enzo Maresca Mid-Season

  • Sacked after 1 win in 7 matches
  • Won Conference League & Club World Cup
  • Currently 5th in Premier League
  • Contract terminated 3 years early
2 min read

Premier League: Chelsea part ways with manager Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have sacked manager Enzo Maresca after a poor run of form. The club statement cites a need for change to salvage Champions League qualification.

"With key objectives still to play for... a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. - Chelsea FC Statement"

London, Jan 1

Former champion Chelsea have officially parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca following a disappointing run in the Premier League 2025-26, with the West London club managing just one win from their last seven matches.

The six-time Premier League winners recently let another victory slip through their fingers at Stamford Bridge, drawing 2-2 with the Cherries. They are now placed fifth in the Premier League with 30 points and will face Manchester City on Sunday. Chelsea is also currently 13th in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

"Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. 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," the statement from Chelsea read.

"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," it added.

Enzo Maresca was appointed Chelsea manager in July 2024. Under his stint, the West London club played 92 matches, and he recorded a strong tally of 55 wins. On May 28, 2025, Maresca won his first trophy as Chelsea manager by lifting the UEFA Conference League after beating Real Betis 4-1 in the final, which meant Chelsea became the only team to win all three of the current main UEFA competitions.

After that, in July 2025, he guided his team to victory in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the first edition of the expanded competition, with a 3-0 win over the recently crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

This meant that he won two titles in his first year as manager of the club. However, the results were different in the second year, and this affected his relationship with the fans and the Chelsea board, which finally led to his exit 3 years before his contract, which was supposed to end in 2029.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an Indian Chelsea fan, this is heartbreaking. Maresca brought us European glory again. Remember how we celebrated the Conference League win? The club's statement is very respectful, but the decision feels harsh. I hope the next manager gets more time. The Premier League is so competitive.
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David E
The stats don't lie - 55 wins in 92 matches is a strong record. But football is about the present, and one win in seven is simply not good enough for a club with Chelsea's ambitions. Fifth place with that squad is underachievement. It was the right, if tough, call.
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Ananya R
Honestly, the real issue is the player recruitment. They spend crores on young talent but lack leaders on the pitch. No manager can succeed with such an imbalanced team. The board should look in the mirror. Maresca-ji did well with what he had. All the best to him.
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Siddharth J
Winning the Club World Cup by beating PSG 3-0 is a massive achievement! We should not forget that. But in the end, the Premier League is the bread and butter. If you're not challenging there, pressure mounts. The Man City game will be a huge test for the new caretaker.
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Kavya N
As a neutral fan from India, I have to say this shows the insane pressure in top-flight European football. In our ISL, a coach would get more time to build. His legacy is secure with those two trophies. I wonder if an Indian investor-owned club would be this ruthless?

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