Chelsea sensationally sacked Italian manager Enzo Maresca earlier this month following an astonishing outburst, but it appears the writing was on the wall for the former Leicester boss even before that.
Enzo Maresca was sent a letter by the club’s management during his final weeks at the club (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea have forced the club’s medical director on the bench after former manager Enzo Maresca ignored instructions regarding the player’s return. The Italian regularly clashed with club officials over how to use star players returning from injury.
In his final weeks at Stamford Bridge, he refused to substitute for a number of players who had been put on a pre-agreed plan to increase their playing time upon their return. And when this came to the attention of decision-makers in west London, they were forced to take action.
The club’s medical director, Bryce Kavanagh, was given a position in Chelsea’s technical area when two unnamed players suffered ‘re-injuries’. The move was made to remind Maresca of the agreement to release the player.
Although Cavana did not sit next to the former Chelsea manager, he did give advice on how much time certain stars should be on the pitch. He played in many home games and was on the bench for the first time in an away game just before Christmas.
read more: Manager Liam Rosenior has been given an ultimatum and has issued a chilling warning to Chelsea.read more: Chelsea’s £64m transfer decision raises questions about Alejandro Garnacho after joining Man United
Benching Kavanaugh wasn’t the only move the Blues took to ensure Maresca followed their advice. According to the Daily Mail, Chiefs have sent a letter to the Italian player reminding him of his obligations regarding playing time for players returning from injury.
Mr Maresca issued a short statement shortly after leaving Stamford Bridge. “My journey at Chelsea began in the Conference League qualifying round and I leave with peace of mind that I am leaving such a prestigious club like Chelsea where I belong.
“I would like to thank all Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months. This support was essential in helping us qualify for the Champions League, win the Conference League and win the Club World Cup. Victory is always in our hearts!”
Maresca leaves Chelsea after explosion (Image: Getty Images)
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“A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this amazing journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me the best of luck in the second half of the season and beyond. Thank you, Chelsea, to me and my family.”
Maresca’s departure comes on the heels of a bizarre rant in which he claimed he had received “no support” during his “worst 48 hours” at the club. The former Leicester manager was eventually replaced by Liam Rosenior, who joined from Strasbourg in France and penned a six-and-a-half year deal.
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