Overview
- Chelsea issued an official statement confirming Maresca’s exit and thanking him for winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup while saying a change offers the best chance to get the season back on track.
- Maresca departs with Chelsea fifth in the Premier League after one win in seven league games and 15 points off leaders Arsenal.
- Reporting points to a breakdown with the hierarchy, including clashes over the medical department’s return‑to‑play and load‑management protocols for players such as Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer.
- Press Association reporting says Maresca told Chelsea he had been in contact multiple times with Manchester City about their potential vacancy, a factor that contributed to the decision to part company.
- His contract was due to run until 2029, raising questions about exit terms, and Chelsea have not named an interim as they prepare to visit Manchester City on Sunday, with Rosenior viewed as a leading candidate through BlueCo’s Strasbourg link.