CHELSEA have axed Enzo Maresca following a complete breakdown in relations within the club.
The Italian has cryptically taken on bosses in recent weeks and paid the price – sacked three days before their trip to Manchester City and just months after winning two trophies.
Maresca has been on a collision course with the Chelsea hierarchy since his bizarre outburst after beating Everton on December 13, saying he had experienced the “worst 48 hours” in the job.
His reluctance to explain what the problem was, either internally or in public, further angered club bosses.
Maresca’s exit was confirmed by the club with a 99-word statment.
It 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 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.”
Maresca was in a strong position at the start of December, having beaten Barcelona and drawn with league leaders Arsenal despite having ten men.
The ex-Leicester boss was also bolstered by winning the Conference League and Club World Cup in his first season.
Maresca was in a strong position at the start of December, having beaten Barcelona and drawn with league leaders Arsenal despite having ten men.
The ex-Leicester boss was also bolstered by winning the Conference League and Club World Cup in his first season.
He was also booed by large sections of the Stamford Bridge crowd when replacing Cole Palmer against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Maresca’s shock decision to skip his post-match media duties, citing illness, following their 2-2 draw with The Cherries only increased tensions.
Liam Rosenior, manager of sister club Strasbourg, has quickly emerged as the front runner for the job.
Some reports suggest he could be in place before Chelsea’s game with Man City on Sunday.
Crystal Palace‘s Oliver Glasner has been considered in the past.
