Enzo Maresca has departed Chelsea – and the club hope to appoint a new manager within days, Daily Mail Sport understands.
A spectacular breakdown in the relationship between the Italian and his bosses at Stamford Bridge had left his position untenable.
Maresca’s exit follows a turbulent period which has seen the side win just one of their last seven Premier League matches.
Chelsea have a small shortlist which includes bookmakers favourite Liam Rosenior. A plan is being made for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City but Maresca’s replacement is expected to be in place in the near future and could even oversee Wednesday’s derby at Fulham.
Daily Mail Sport understands Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is also being considered. Former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, who is now at Marseille but was an option before the club appointed Maresca, is not on the shortlist.
Cesc Fabregas and John Terry are not thought to feature on the shortlist.
Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea after a poor run of results and the club hope to make an appointment shortly – with Liam Rosenior (right) on the shortlist
The Blues have only managed one Premier League victory in their last seven fixtures
Club legends Cesc Fabregas (left) and John Terry (right) are not on the shortlist
The writing had been on the wall for Maresca after a spectacular outburst in which he claimed he had endured ‘his worst 48 hours’ following a victory over Everton.
It is thought that the claim related to serious friction between the manager and the medical department and a continuing difference of opinion over the management of injured players and their returns to action.
Officials were left seriously unimpressed with those public comments and a number of other episodes, including:
- His decision to skip Tuesday’s post-match press conference citing illness. The club hierarchy believe he wasn’t ill, and found the move to be unprofessional, disrespectful and also unfair on Willy Caballero, who had to deputise.
- His ignoring of medical advice on players returning from injury, and playing them for too long.
- Reports linking Maresca with a return to Manchester City, where he had previously worked under Pep Guardiola.
Daily Mail Sport has contacted Maresca for a response.
The aim is for a new manager to continue working under the same system, and to avoid the need to make major changes midway through a season in which the club remain fifth, despite their recent run.
Caballero could take temporary charge if a swift appointment is not made, but Chelsea have a duty of care to their coaches after their close friend has just lost his job.
In a club statement, the Blues said: ‘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’s 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.’
