Official Chelsea statement confirms Premier League manager departure as replacements lined up
Chelsea next manager: Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea as the club searches for a replacement.
Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea head coach following crunch talks with the club.
The Blues have progressed to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup and currently sit fifth in the Premier League table despite an inconsistent recent run of results.
That included a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United last month, which saw Chelsea come from 2-0 down to snatch a point and end a four-game losing streak at St James’ Park.
Chelsea face Manchester City on Sunday in the league while also hosting Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final later this month. The club also have two important Champions League group phase ties against Pafos and Napoli as they look to secure progress to the knockout stages.
But they will have to tackle the upcoming games without a new manager until an appointment is made.
Chelsea release Enzo Maresca statement
Chelsea confirmed Maresca’s departure on January 1 in a short statement, which read: “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.”
When asked last month about his future at Chelsea following the draw at Newcastle, Maresca said: “Yes, absolutely [I will be here next season]. I have a contract until June 2029.”
But the situation quickly changed and Chelsea are now looking for a new manager once again.
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Several candidates linked with Chelsea manager job
Back in November, AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola was linked to Chelsea as a potential replacement for Maresca. But the now vacant role at Stamford Bridge has seen several more names emerge in recent days.
Barcelona legend Xavi has been touted as a potential replacement for Maresca, along with Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winning manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard have also been mentioned. But current Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is thought to be the leading candidate at the moment.
Strasbourg and Chelsea are both owned by BlueCo and have previously agreed deals between the clubs.
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Newcastle United watch on as Eddie Howe looks to bounce back
While Chelsea have made a habit of chopping and changing managers over the years, particularly since the club’s 2022 takeover, Newcastle’s managerial situation has remained consistent following the appointment of Eddie Howe as head coach over four years ago.
The Magpies head into 2026 with question marks over Howe and his team but ultimately on the back of the most successful year in the club’s modern history with a Carabao Cup win and Champions League qualification.
Newcastle start the New Year sitting 10th in the table, four points off Chelsea in the potential Champions League places and into the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time is also effectively guaranteed with two games to spare.
Despite an underwhelming first half to the Premier League season, Howe will be given time to turn things around.