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Following a terminal breakdown in relations between Enzo Maresca and the club's hierarchy, Chelsea has parted ways with the head coach after one-and-a-half years. While Maresca’s exit had been widely anticipated due to these internal tensions, it marked a sudden end for a coach who delivered two titles during his first campaign at Stamford Bridge.
"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." read part of the statement on the club's website.
Maresca publicly bemoaned the lack of support he received after the 2-0 win over Everton, with insiders saying he had grown tired of being questioned repeatedly.
Reports had indicated that Maresca could resign himself and would not be involved in the upcoming game against Manchester City on Sunday.
The former Leicester City head coach skipped media duties after the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday, with his assistant Willy Caballero revealing he was ill. It has since emerged that he wasn't ill but wanted time to assess his future.
Chelsea bosses had planned to have a review of Maresca's time at the club at the end of the season, two years into his five-year contract, but the tension brought the talks forward. After beating Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League in November, the Blues have struggled to replicate that form, dropping points to Arsenal, Leeds, Bournemouth (twice), Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
It is understood that the World Champions could bring in Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior as a long-term replacement.
The Englishman has impressed at Chelsea's sister club, guiding them to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 in his debut season. Among other options are Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, while Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner is not in the picture.
Glasner, who led Palace to FA Cup glory last season, is expected to leave at the end of this season.