'Immediate' - Fabrizio Romano makes bombshell Premier League manager exit claim as Newcastle United watch on
Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea with several replacements already reportedly lined up.
Enzo Maresca led Chelsea to Champions League qualification and a fourth-place finish last season, his first in charge of 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 Marseca’s imminent departure was hinted by Fabrizio Romano on social media just hours before it was officially confirmed.
Romano wrote: “Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, situation getting tense in the last 24h as reported…with club/manager considering future.
“It’s NOT about next game or January results — it was never the case. It’s an immediate situation between Maresca and Chelsea now being discussed.”
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 increasing uncertainty surrounding the 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.
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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.