At a Glance
- Chelsea parts ways with manager Enzo Maresca after a turbulent season.
- Liam Rosenior of Strasbourg is a leading contender for the role.
- Chelsea sits 5th in the Premier League, 13th in the Champions League, and has only 1 win in its last 7 league matches.
- Why it matters: The club’s leadership change comes amid a decline in performance and a precarious European position.
Chelsea announced the departure of Enzo Maresca, the club’s fifth full-time manager since 2022, after a season of poor results and a strained relationship with the hierarchy. With Liam Rosenior a likely replacement, the Blues face a critical juncture as they battle a league slump and a precarious Champions League position.
Managerial Shake-Up
Chelsea’s board confirmed Maresca’s exit on Thursday, citing a deteriorating relationship with the club’s hierarchy. The club said a change offers the best chance to regain momentum across four competitions, including a push for Champions League qualification.
Enzo Maresca stated:
> “This is the worst 48 hours at Chelsea.”
Chelsea said its achievements under Maresca “will remain an important part of the club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club.”
- Won the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2022-23
- Only 1 win in the last 7 Premier League matches
- 13th in the Champions League, 2 points from 8th place
Potential Successor
Reports from BBC and The Athletic name Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior, a fellow club-group member, as the frontrunner for the role.
- Current manager of Strasbourg
- Part of the same ownership group as Chelsea
Season Context
Chelsea’s performance has dipped since a 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona in November. The team’s last league victory was a 2-0 win over Everton, with draws against Arsenal, Newcastle, and Bournemouth, and defeats to Leeds and Aston Villa.
| Competition | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 5th place, 1 win in last 7 | League slump |
| Champions League | 13th, 2 points from 8th | 2 rounds left |
| League Cup | Semifinal vs Arsenal | Two-leg tie |
| FA Cup | First round vs Charlton | Away, Jan 10 |
Chelsea, under American ownership fronted by Todd Boehly since May 2022, has struggled to find stability, having appointed five managers in 3½ years despite a talented young squad.
Key Takeaways
- Maresca departs amid a poor run of form.
- Liam Rosenior is the leading contender for the managerial role.
- The club faces challenges in the league and Champions League.
With a new manager looming, Chelsea must navigate a difficult period as it seeks to reverse its decline and secure European ambitions.
