Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea with immediate effect

Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that they have parted ways with Enzo Maresca with immediate effect.

The Italian manager joined the Blues in July 2024, after helping guide Leicester City back to the Premier League.

In Maresca's first season at Chelsea, he won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, while finishing fourth in the Premier League table.

However, after winning the Club World Cup in the summer, problems started to arise at Stamford Bridge between the head coach and the Chelsea hierarchy.

According to Ben Jacobs, one of the main issues between Maresca and Chelsea was with the medical department, over player workload and welfare.

David Ornstein has said Maresca informed Chelsea that he spoke to Manchester City in October and in December, about the managerial position at the Etihad Stadium when it becomes available.

Reports have also stated the head coach was not sick after Chelsea's 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth, which was the reason given as to why he did not complete post-match interviews. He did not want to speak to the media due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Chelsea will now look to replace Maresca in the coming days, with the Blues set to take on Manchester City in their next game, which is this weekend.

Liam Rosenior is the reported frontrunner at the moment, with the Strasbourg boss helping the French side sit top of the UEFA Conference League and seventh in Ligue 1. The 41-year-old has managed Strasbourg to 14 wins in all competitions from 25 games.

Strasbourg are owned by BlueCO, who also own Chelsea, which would make a deal for the manager easier.

Who do you think will replace Enzo Maresca as Chelsea head coach?