Coach Maresca Leaves Chelsea Club

Enzo Maresca has departed from his position as head coach of Chelsea after serving for 18 months, the Premier League outfit confirmed on Thursday.

"Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have mutually agreed to part ways," the official club announcement stated.

The Italian coach's departure from Stamford Bridge occurs while the team sits in fifth place in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders and London neighbours Arsenal by 15 points, following just one victory in their previous seven league matches.

Rumours regarding Maresca's future intensified amid the team's recent slump in form, coupled with suggestions of a deteriorating rapport between the coach and the club's leadership.

"Despite important targets remaining in four competitions, which include securing a spot in the Champions League, Enzo and the club feel that this transition offers the squad the optimal opportunity to regain momentum for the season," the announcement continued.

Maresca skipped the post-match media briefing after an intense 2-2 stalemate against Bournemouth on Tuesday, though officials cited illness as the reason for his no-show.

He has reaffirmed his remarks from December 13, in which he noted that numerous individuals at Chelsea were failing to back him or the players.

Maresca described the period before the 2-0 triumph over Everton as "the most challenging 48 hours" during his tenure at the club.

His agreement was set to extend until the summer of 2029, including an option for an additional year.

Under Maresca, Chelsea claimed the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025, and he guided them to a return in the Champions League.