Chelsea have claimed Enzo Maresca lacked ‘mental fortitude and emotional maturity’ as his acrimonious departure as Blues boss took another twist.
The extraordinary comment made by Chelsea about the 45-year-old in a briefing to reporters was read out live on Sky Sports by Dave Jones in the build-up to coverage of Liverpool’s clash with Leeds.
‘The feeling at Chelsea is he has a lack of mental fortitude and emotional maturity,’ Jones said.
Maresca and the club parted ways on Thursday following a spectacular breakdown in the relationship between the Italian and his bosses at Stamford Bridge that had left his position untenable.
His exit follows a turbulent period which has seen the side win just one of their last seven Premier League matches. Maresca’s last match was the 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday.
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.
The claim made by Chelsea about Enzo Maresca was read out live on Sky Sports by Dave Jones
Maresca and Chelsea parted ways on Thursday following a breakdown in their relationship
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.
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. The announcement came after showdown talks between the manager and senior club officials.
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, was also cited, along with 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.
In a 99-word statement earlier on Thursday, Chelsea 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.’
