Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea appears increasingly precarious, with reports suggesting the Italian manager may be on his way out before the summer. After a tumultuous first 18 months, filled with memorable triumphs such as the Club World Cup win and securing a Champions League spot, the Blues’ form has taken a troubling dip this season.
Once flirting with the Premier League title conversation, Chelsea’s inconsistency is now glaring, marked by just one win in their last seven fixtures. The latest setback came on Tuesday night, when a 2-2 draw at home against a Bournemouth side—winless in their last ten—sparked boos from the Stamford Bridge faithful.
The club’s owners, Clearlake Capital, are reportedly assessing Maresca’s position closely, with insider information suggesting that they are already in discussions with potential successors. Among those speculated is a manager currently employed elsewhere, as relations between Maresca and the ownership reveal signs of strain, partly fuelled by murmurs of Maresca’s link to Manchester City.
Renowned journalist Sam Wallace of The Telegraph has elaborated on the situation, noting that doubts surrounding Maresca’s future have only grown more pronounced. He explains that while Maresca’s departure this summer seems increasingly likely, it could happen sooner if Chelsea’s form fails to improve.
In terms of potential replacements, Wallace points out that there aren’t clear short-term alternatives. Chelsea’s associated club RC Strasbourg, managed by Liam Rosenior, sits seventh in Ligue 1. While Rosenior is considered a potential future Chelsea manager, any immediate transition remains fraught with challenges, especially following fan unrest over previous player transfers between the clubs.
As Chelsea navigates this uncertain period, further developments are anticipated, with Maresca’s future looming as a major focal point for the club’s supporters and administrators alike.