Overview
- Chelsea announced on Jan. 1 that Maresca has left, thanking him for winning the Conference League and Club World Cup and saying a change offers the best chance to get the season back on track.
- The decision follows weeks of strain highlighted by Maresca’s cryptic “worst 48 hours” remark and his absence from post‑match media duties after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, which the club attributed to illness.
- Reports say disputes centered on the medical department’s authority over return‑to‑play protocols, with club leaders unwilling to let the head coach override medical guidance.
- On the field, Chelsea sit fifth with one win in their last seven league matches and a 15‑point gap to leaders Arsenal, intensifying pressure during a congested January schedule.
- An urgent search is under way for a successor, with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior reported as a leading candidate, while Maresca’s long contract to 2029 leaves exit terms yet to be clarified.