Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea head coach, the Premier League club has announced.
The Italian manager’s departure had been expected following a breakdown in relations with key figures at Stamford Bridge, Sky Sports News reported.
The club said: “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.”
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The former Leicester boss was appointed as successor to Mauricio Pochettino in June 2024.
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After 18 months in charge, he departs with the club fifth in the Premier League table – 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal – following one win from their last seven top-flight games.
Maresca, 45, guided Chelsea to Champions League qualification via a fourth-placed finish last season, in addition to winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.
His contract was due to run until 2029, with Chelsea holding an option for a further 12 months.
Speculation of a rift with the Chelsea hierarchy had grown after Maresca claimed following his side’s 2-0 win over Everton on 13 December he had endured his “worst 48 hours” at the club because “many people didn’t support me and the team”.
He then repeatedly refused to clarify the comments.
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Maresca’s final match was Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth.
The club return to action on Sunday away to Manchester City, the first of nine fixtures across four competitions during a packed January schedule.
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Liam Rosenior, the head coach of French club Strasbourg, who are owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo, has emerged as the early favourite to replace Maresca among bookmakers.
Former Barcelona head coach Xavi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are other potential candidates.
