BREAKING: Chelsea and Enzo Maresca part ways

The crisis at Stamford Bridge has taken its toll and claimed its first "victim" - Enzo Maresca is no longer Chelsea manager.

About an hour ago, the club issued a statement, thanking the Italian gaffer for everything he did for the Blues.

"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."

"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."

Maresca joined Chelsea in July 2024, when the Blues paid €12 million compensation to bring him from Leicester City. Initially, the cooperation between the tactician and the club's management was ideal, but as time passed, tension arose in that relationship.

The board's main issue with the Italian was his tendency to act independently, without consulting the club's officials. Apart from being a somewhat "loose cannon", the Italian openly criticized the management for inactivity during a transfer window.

Even though he had achieved decent results with a relatively young team, the recent dip in Chelsea's Premier League form - only one win in the last seven games - and frequent rumours about his intention to succeed his former mentor, Pep Guardiola, at Manchester City, pushed the situation at Stamford Bridge to the breaking point.

Yesterday's disappointing 2-2 home draw against the struggling Bournemouth was definitely the last straw, and Maresca paid the price.

Still, the 45-year-old's stint in London has to be considered successful, as he won the UEFA Conference League as a firm favourite, though, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where the Blues were complete underdogs.

Sterling is leaving Maresca's bomb-squad but staying in London

Chelsea play their next game in three days against the Cityzens, and the club has not confirmed who'll be in the dugout. Yet, it is expected that Maresca's assistant manager, Willy Caballero, will take the caretaker role.

As for the Italian's successor, Liam Rosenior, the head coach of the Blues' affiliate club, Strasbourg, is reportedly the leading candidate.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 19

Tuesday

Burnley - Newcastle 1-3 (1-2)

/Laurent 23 - Joelinton 2, Wissa 7, Guimaraes 90+3/

Chelsea - Bournemouth 2-2 (2-2)

/Palmer 15 pen, Fernandez 23 - Brooks 6, Kluivert 27/

Nott. Forest - Everton 0-2 (0-1)

/Garner 19, Barry 79/

West Ham - Brighton 2-2 (2-1)

/Bowen 10, Paqueta 45+4 pen - Welbeck 32 pen, Veltman 61/

Arsenal - Aston Villa 4-1 (0-0)

/Gabriel 48, Zubimendi 52, Trossard 69, Jesus 78 - Watkins 90+4

Man. Utd - Wolverhampton 1-1 (1-1)

/Zirkzee 27 - Krejci 45/

Thursday

20.30: (2.25) Crystal Palace (3.35) Fulham (3.25)

20.30: (1.53) Liverpool (4.20) Leeds (6.25)

23.00: (2.35) Brentford (3.40) Tottenham (3.00)

23.00: (7.25) Sunderland (4.40) Man.City (1.45)

***odds are subject to change***