Chelsea parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. It was a pretty sudden move after just 18 months. Apparently, it wasn’t just about bad results, though the team’s form was pretty shaky. Sources say a breakdown in relations with the club’s top brass was the main reason behind the split, even with some big successes under his belt. So, don’t expect Chelsea to hire an elite coach this time around either.
The Maresca Era: Trophies, Tensions, and Tactics
Maresca actually brought some silverware to Stamford Bridge. He won the UEFA Conference League and even the FIFA Club World Cup. And the team finished fourth in the Premier League last season, which is pretty good, right? But things took a turn. The club’s recent form was a concern, to be fair. They only managed one win in seven league games. And just two wins from nine across all competitions. That 1-1 draw against Arsenal seemed like a real turning point, with the team struggling to hold onto leads after that, ESPN highlighted.
Maresca had a specific style. His side really valued possession. They wanted to build things slowly, kind of lull defenses to sleep. He once even said he treated his young squad with a “light touch,” much like his own children, when it came to discipline, ESPN reported. This was despite a pretty wild run of red cards – five in their last six games at one point. He preferred to teach them, not punish them. It’s a different approach, for sure.
BlueCo’s Blueprint: Young Talent Over Big Names
This firing wasn’t really a surprise if you’ve been watching how Chelsea’s ownership, BlueCo, operates. They’re all about young coaches. They want guys with potential who fit their long-term vision. It’s a big shift from the Roman Abramovich days. Back then, they’d hire big, high-profile managers like José Mourinho or Carlo Ancelotti. Not anymore, as some analysts pointed out.
Maresca’s appointment was a perfect example of this. He didn’t have a ton of experience, you know? Six months at Parma in Serie B, where he got fired. Then one season at Leicester City, where he won the EFL Championship title. That was it. So, a pretty limited resume for a Chelsea manager, right? Now they’re on their fifth permanent head coach search since BlueCo took over in May 2022. It’s a lot of change. And it looks like the pattern will continue.
On the Pitch: Form, Discipline, and Key Partnerships
The team sits fifth in the Premier League now. They’re 15 points behind leaders Arsenal. That’s a big gap. Attacks often looked a bit “stilted” and like a “work in progress” even in big games, according to one match report from ESPN after a loss to Arsenal. Injuries didn’t help, of course. Enzo Fernández had a scare, but it’s not serious. Liam Delap is actually pretty close to returning, which is good news.
One bright spot during Maresca’s time was the partnership between João Pedro and Cole Palmer. They were standout players at the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring three goals each. Pedro, who came from Brighton, said they really clicked. He told ESPN Brasil,
“Cole is a very different player because he thinks very fast. He manages to make decisions that we often don’t expect. But I believe that since the [Club] World Cup, he has been very close to me, always talking with me and me with him. We try to combine our ideas so that it works in the games. I think it’s working, thank God, and may it continue like this.”
He also helped fellow Brazilian Estêvão settle in. So there was definitely some good stuff happening on the field.
What’s Next for the Blues?
So, who’s next in the hot seat? Liam Rosenior, 41, is apparently the frontrunner. He’s got connections through BlueCo’s Strasbourg club. He’s managed Derby County and Hull City, though he was dismissed from Hull just this summer. Other names floated around include Oliver Glasner. Cesc Fàbregas was mentioned too, but sources confirm he’s not in contention. Roberto De Zerbi had an interview before Maresca, but he’s not being considered now either.
There’s also a legal spat going on about Maresca’s departure. Was he sacked or did he resign? That’s going to affect his payoff, especially with a contract running until 2029, plus an option for more. It’s all a bit messy, to be honest. And hey, speaking of the future, there’s even talk Chelsea are frontrunners to sign England star Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in 2026. The club seems to be planning way ahead, even with all this change at the top. It’s never dull at Stamford Bridge, is it?
Govind Singh 
Annsly Raena