Enzo Maresca parted ways with Chelsea earlier this week as the Blues rush to appoint a successor – and Mikel Arteta shares his thoughts on the Italian head coach
Manager Mikel Arteta showed his class by praising rival manager Enzo Maresca for doing a “great job” at Chelsea after the Italian’s surprise exit from Stamford Bridge left many scratching their heads. On Thursday morning, a bombshell was made that the Blues are parting ways with their head coach after 18 months.
The 45-year-old has won just one of his last seven matches and a backstage relationship breakdown has made his position untenable.
Chelsea’s official statement read: “Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted ways. During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
“These achievements will remain an important part of the club’s recent history and we thank him for his contribution to the club.
“Enzo and the club believe that the changes will give the team the best chance of getting the season back on track, as important objectives remain over four competitions, including qualification to the Champions League. We wish Enzo all the best for the future.”
read more: Chelsea star Liam Rosenior finds out exactly what he thinks of himself after speaking outread more: Feud turns ugly as Chelsea’s two extraordinary Enzo Maresca discoveries are broadcast live on Sky Sports
Arsenal manager Arteta has spoken out about the decision taken earlier this week. “Well, I wish him the best,” the Spaniard said at the pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth on Saturday.
He added: “I really like Enzo as a person and as a professional. I think he’s done a great job at Chelsea and it’s a decision that has been taken and I wish him the best.”
If Maresca has performed so impressively for Chelsea, it begs the question why the Blues chose to cut ties with the manager who led them to Club World Cup glory last summer. Chelsea are currently in 5th place in the Premier League with a record of 8 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses.
But while Chelsea’s Premier League ambitions fade with each passing week, leaders Arsenal have established a commanding 15-point advantage over their capital rivals.
In the Champions League, Maresca secured three wins, one draw and two losses against the West London side, who currently sit 13th and look on track to qualify for the knockout stages.
Chelsea remain in contention in both domestic cup competitions, preparing to face Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final later this month, while they face a draw with Charlton in the FA Cup. Despite his encouraging performances on the field, Maresca’s relationship with Stamford Bridge bosses appears to have deteriorated prior to his departure.
The manager criticized the lack of support during what he described as the “worst 48 hours” following last month’s 3-1 defeat at Leeds United. Reflecting on the situation, he said: “The players’ willingness to learn was fantastic and this is why I praise them, because they have done very well after a complicated week with so many problems.”
“The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club because not many people supported us.”
FootballLondon understands that Mr Maresca’s dissatisfaction is rooted in tensions with the medical team, including the early withdrawal of players from injury. Since his departure from the club, many potential successors have been touted at Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior is currently the bookmakers’ favorite manager, given his recent performance at Strasbourg. His most recent spell in England was from 2022 to 2024, during which time he narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship with Hull, finishing seventh in the play-offs.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner, Filipe Ruiz, Cesc Fabregas and Francesco Farioli have been talked about by supporters and betting companies as potential candidates for the popular seat at Stamford Bridge, but it remains to be seen who will take over the role in west London.
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