Overview
- Chelsea confirmed the immediate termination and thanked Maresca, highlighting the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.
- The team’s Premier League form had slumped to one win in seven, leaving Chelsea fifth and 15 points behind leaders Arsenal.
- The decision followed disagreements that escalated over the past 48 hours, according to reporting including Fabrizio Romano.
- Maresca skipped the Dec. 30 Bournemouth match and the press conference; assistant Willy Caballero said he was unwell, while the BBC linked the absence to his future.
- The club has begun a swift search for a successor without naming candidates, with uncertainty over who will lead an FA Cup tie against Charlton and a league game against Manchester City as Chelsea continue in the Champions League and Carabao Cup semi-final.