Chelsea Sacks Enzo Maresca: From Manager of the Month to New Year's Exit

A New Year's Day shock at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea has officially parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca, ending a tenure that swung from trophy-winning highs to a rapid mid-winter collapse. According to a club statement on January 1, 2026, the Italian manager leaves his post exactly 18 months after he was tasked with reviving the London giants.

The Sudden Fall: Chelsea Enzo Maresca Sacked 2026

Maresca’s dismissal marks a dramatic fall from grace. Just weeks ago, he was celebrated as the Premier League's Manager of the Month for November. However, the festive period proved disastrous, with the team securing only one win in their last seven league matches. Once title contenders, Chelsea now sits in fifth place, trailing leaders Arsenal by a massive 15 points.

The breaking point arrived during Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Fans at Stamford Bridge made their frustrations heard, booing at the final whistle and chanting against Maresca's tactical decisions, particularly the substitution of star playmaker Cole Palmer.

Internal Friction and Broken Promises

Beyond the pitch, Maresca’s relationship with the club hierarchy had reportedly soured. Last month, he described a period after a win over Everton as the "worst 48 hours" of his tenure, citing a lack of support from behind the scenes. Despite winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season, the club believes a change is necessary to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.