Enzo Maresca's final words as Chelsea boss as Blues pull trigger after relationship breakdown

Chelsea have parted company with Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day following a breakdown in relationship with the Blues hierarchy at Stamford Bridge

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gave very little away with his final words prior to his departure from Stamford Bridge. The club confirmed the Italian's departure earlier today with a statement that thanked the 45-year-old for his services.

Maresca leaves the Blues less than two years into his tenure with his original Chelsea contract agreed to run until the summer of 2029, winning the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup during his time in the dugout.

However, his relationship with the Blues hierarchy soured in recent weeks and his position was deemed untenable. Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League outings and have slipped some way behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

They're also just five points above 14th-placed Brighton after a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. Maresca did not speak to reporters for his usual post-match media duties due to feeling unwell, meaning his last words for journalists and Chelsea fans were prior to his departure from Stamford Bridge.

Maresca was asked why he felt his side were struggling to control matches at home, despite still being in the race for the top-four and Champions League football.

Speaking to the press after the loss against Aston Villa - with a portion of the press conference held back for the Bournemouth clash, he said: "Again, I don’t know. It's just a matter to understand the reason why, because I don’t think it’s random, when something continues to happen, it's not random.

"So we need to understand why, no matter if we are winning, drawing or losing, we concede a goal, we lose a little bit of control. So we need to understand the reason why."

"In this moment, it is the target," he said on qualifying for the Champions League again. "I think tonight's game [Saturday night] does not reflect the 10 points difference between us and Villa, to be honest.

"So we need to be confident and we need to think that hopefully we can go close again to the ones that are ahead of us."

Maresca won't get to work out the reason why his side was struggling at home, after his departure from Chelsea was confirmed earlier today.

A club 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."

At the heart of Maresca's recent comments about his "worst 48 hours" are believed to have been a disagreement with Chelsea's medical team. The former head coach would reportedly sometimes play athletes against the medical department's advice, leading to tension within the club.

Furthermore, there was dialogue between Maresca's representatives and Manchester City, amid speculation that Pep Guardiola might leave in the summer.

Maresca dutifully reported this contact to Chelsea - as stipulated by his contract - but those at the west London club saw it as an unwelcome distraction during a crucial season at Stamford Bridge.

Amid all this uncertainty about his future, Maresca's rapport with the press also appeared to worsen. Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they take on Man City at the Etihad Stadium.