Chelsea have sacked manager Enzo Maresca after a poor run of form, ending his 18‑month spell at Stamford Bridge. The decision comes just days before they clash with Manchester City, as the club looks to salvage its season.
Chelsea Sack Enzo Maresca
Chelsea Football Club confirmed on January 1, 2026, that head coach Enzo Maresca has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. The Italian tactician, who joined the Blues in 2024 after guiding Leicester City to Premier League promotion, departs after just 18 months in charge.
Maresca’s tenure began brightly. In his debut season, he led Chelsea to Champions League qualification, lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy, and secured the FIFA Club World Cup title. These achievements briefly restored optimism at Stamford Bridge, where managerial instability has become a recurring theme in recent years.
However, the current campaign unravelled quickly. Chelsea managed just one win in their last seven league matches, slipping down the table and raising doubts about their ability to secure a top‑four finish. Reports also suggest tensions between Maresca and the club’s hierarchy, with disagreements over squad management and his public outburst in December accelerating his downfall.
The official club statement thanked Maresca for his contributions but emphasized the need for a change to “get the season back on track.” His departure comes just before Chelsea’s high‑stakes fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on January 4.
The Bigger Picture at Stamford Bridge
Maresca’s sacking continues Chelsea’s turbulent managerial cycle. Since Roman Abramovich’s sale of the club in 2022, the new ownership has already parted ways with several coaches, including Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and now Maresca.
Chelsea this season has been all over the place. While Maresca has seen some success, there has been no evidence of a style of football emerging. The tactical moves have been bewildering. A lack of experienced players, injuries, and a constant change in lineups have resulted in a hazy style of football. The Chelsea management, for once, may have got the call right.
While there is news about who could be the next manager, names such as Xavi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, and Cesc Fabregas are being floated around by the news outlets.
Premier League Managers Under Pressure
Maresca’s dismissal highlights the precarious nature of Premier League management. Will this sacking produce a domino effect, with a few more managers getting sacked? In a season that has been topsy-turvy for most teams, there are a few managers who are at risk at this moment.
Ruben Amorim: Manchester United is another club where managers often get a short leash. Amorim and his team have done very little to inspire. A listless season and some uninspiring performances have put Amorim’s job at risk.
Nuno Espirito Sanchez: It has been a revolving chair at West Ham, and Nuno has not in any way been able to stem the rot. West Ham have become the favourite punching bags in recent weeks, with just three wins and a staggering 11 losses, which means they are in the relegation zone, and Nuno might not last long.
While Nuno and Amorim look the most at risk, there could be some more surprises. Thomas Frank handles a Tottenham that has an ownership, like Chelsea and Manchester United, with very little patience.
Another long shot could be Arne Slot, yes, Arne Slot. The drop in Liverpool’s fortunes has been drastic, and unless things improve, Slot’s time might be running out.
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Sudhir Bhattathiripad
Sportzcorner
Twitter : @tvsbhatta
