Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea head coach with immediate effect after the club and the Italian tactician agreed their deteriorating relationship could no longer continue.

Maresca’s exit comes just 18 months into the five-year contract he signed in the summer of 2024. While Chelsea’s recent dip in form played a role, sources indicate that growing tension between the head coach, club ownership and sporting directors was decisive. The situation escalated following Maresca’s explosive remarks after a 2-0 win over Everton, when he described the period as the “worst 48 hours” of his Chelsea tenure.

The comments coincided with reports linking Maresca to Manchester City, where he has reportedly been in contact over a potential succession plan should Pep Guardiola depart. Chelsea have won only one of their last six Premier League matches and trail leaders Arsenal by 15 points, leaving Champions League qualification in doubt.

In a statement, Chelsea confirmed Maresca’s departure, praising his delivery of the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. The club believes a change gives the team the best chance to recover this season.

Chelsea are expected to move swiftly for a replacement, with Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior among the leading candidates, though no interim coach has been named ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.