Finally revealed! Three strong things Enzo Maresca did that led to sacking at Chelsea
Chelsea finally sacked Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day after finally running out of patience with the fiery head coach.
However, Enzo Maresca was under huge pressure after a run of just one win in seven Premier League matches and he now leaves after 18 months in west London, having won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup in a successful debut season at the club.
The decision comes just 19 days after Maresca’s rant where he described the 48 hours leading up to the win over Everton as the “worst” he had experienced during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Those comments stemmed from falling out with the club’s medical department, with Maresca sometimes using players against expert advice.
Chelsea were left astounded by Maresca’s comments that followed and after a few weeks of trying to mend the relationship, the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth proved to be the Italian’s last with the Blues.
Maresca chose not to conduct his post-match media duties on Tuesday evening, sending his assistant Willy Caballero. While it was initially reported that the Italian was ill, sources have since dismissed that.
Maresca has also been in regular contact with Manchester City throughout the season and informed Chelsea, as his contract conditions state he must do.
There is a growing expectation that Pep Guardiola could leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season and Maresca is seen as someone that could replace the club legend.
The search for Maresca’s replacement has already started. Liam Rosenior is the early favourite given the 41-year-old’s ties with BlueCo-owned Strasbourg.
Rosenior plays a similar style of football to Maresca and is under consideration.
Cesc Fabregas has also been linked with the vacant role, though he is not a name on Chelsea’s shortlist at the moment. Neither is Roberto De Zerbi, who has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are set to be without a permanent manager for the trip to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, with a decision over who the caretaker will be yet to be made.