Chelsea's blunt statement in full as Enzo Maresca leaves amid top-four race

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca have parted company after one victory in their last seven Premier League games. The Italian leaves after six months in charge, despite winning the Conference League and Club World Cup

Enzo Maresca has left his role at Chelsea with immediate effect(Image: Getty)

Enzo Maresca has officially departed his position as Chelsea manager with immediate effect. The decision follows an emergency meeting held by the Blues to evaluate the Italian's future after securing just one win in their last seven Premier League fixtures.

His situation was ultimately considered untenable, reports the Express, resulting in his departure from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is now without a permanent head coach ahead of its game against Manchester City. The club is expected to appoint a new head coach in the coming days, with Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior thought to be amongst the leading candidates.

Chelsea confirmed Maresca's departure in a statement released on Thursday afternoon, stating it believed it was the right moment for change.

The statement read: "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."

Chelsea were held to a stalemate by Bournemouth in what turned out to be Maresca's last match in charge earlier this week. His absence from the post-match press conference was conspicuous, with assistant coach Willy Caballero filling in.

Maresca won two trophies during his 18-month spell at Stamford Bridge(Image: Getty)

He said: "Enzo isn't feeling well. He didn't feel well the last two days but still made training and made the game today.

"I took his position just to clarify that he isn't feeling well enough to do the rest of the stuff that the manager has to do, so I'm here instead."

Maresca arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2024, departing Leicester City to take the reins at Stamford Bridge. He steered the Blues into the Premier League's top five during his first campaign whilst also securing Conference League success.

Chelsea's fortunes improved further over the summer as they claimed victory in the revamped Club World Cup, earning the title of world champions for the next four years.

The club currently sits fifth in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders and title contenders Arsenal by 15 points. The impact of Maresca's shock exit on the club's January transfer strategy remains uncertain.

Maresca had been linked with the Manchester City job in recent weeks, and now becomes a free agent likely to be courted by a number of top European teams.

Enzo Maresca has left his role at Chelsea with immediate effect(Image: Getty)