Inside Enzo Maresca's Chelsea exit: Unanimous board decision, goodbyes with players, next head coach candidates
Sports Illustrated••general
Key Points:
- Enzo Maresca has been dismissed as Chelsea head coach after 18 months, following disagreements with the club hierarchy and poor results, including winning only two of eight games in December 2025.
- Chelsea cited three main reasons for Maresca's departure: recent performance issues, his links to other jobs, and conflicts over return-to-play protocols for injured players.
- The decision to part ways was unanimous among the Chelsea board, which expects future head coaches to adhere to the club's existing system and structure.
- Maresca said his goodbyes to the squad, with players like Marc Cucurella publicly expressing gratitude and well wishes.
- Chelsea aims to appoint a permanent head coach quickly, with RC Strasbourg boss
