Chelsea have confirmed the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca after 18 months in charge, ending a short but eventful spell that brought two trophies and a growing league slump. The decision was made after talks on Thursday and lands just days before a tough away game at Manchester City on Sunday, 4 January.

It is a big call at a delicate time. Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League after a run of one win in seven league matches. The club’s statement thanked Maresca for his work, but also made the key point: both sides felt a change now gives the team the best chance to steady the season.

Why Chelsea acted now: form, table, and trend

The numbers paint a clear picture. Chelsea have one win in their last seven Premier League games. They were held 2-2 at home by Bournemouth on Tuesday, a result that led to boos inside Stamford Bridge and chants after a late substitution. In the table, the Blues are fifth — seven points above 15th, nine points off third. That gap tells the story of a team stuck between targets.

Maresca’s Chelsea started brightly. They won four of their first six league games under him and finished last season with five wins from their final six to clinch fourth place. But this season has not matched that pace: two wins from the first six league matches and only one league win in December (2-0 against Everton) set the tone for a bumpy winter.

“Two trophies, but one win in seven — which version of Chelsea is real?”

Silverware on the shelf, pressure on the touchline

Results are not the full story. Maresca did bring silverware. Chelsea won the UEFA Conference League with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in May 2025. Two months later, they beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to lift the FIFA Club World Cup. Those nights matter. The club said those successes are an important part of its recent history, and they are right.

But pressure in the league grew as performances dipped. The flashpoint came against Bournemouth, when Maresca substituted Cole Palmer late on. The home crowd reacted with a loud message — “you don’t know what you’re doing.” It was raw, and it felt like a turn in the mood. That was followed by what sources describe as a breakdown in relations with the hierarchy. That breakdown, along with the results, moved the decision from possible to necessary.

What the club said

Chelsea’s statement struck a respectful tone while pointing to the need for a reset. “During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club,” it read.

The club added: “With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future.” The key line from the official wording is simple and direct: “Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”

“If this is the reset, Sunday at City will show us the baseline.”

Maresca in context: fast start, hard winter

Maresca arrived in June 2024, taking over from Mauricio Pochettino after winning the Championship with Leicester City in 2023/24. He spoke often about control and structure. At times, we saw it. At other times, the team looked short of speed and ideas in the final third. December was the roughest patch. One league win that month left Chelsea chasing rather than leading.

Yet this tenure will not be remembered only for the slump. The cup runs were real, and the EFL Cup semi-final berth against Arsenal showed a team that could manage a tie and build momentum. The two trophies — Conference League and Club World Cup — are proof of quality in knockout settings. The frustration is that the league form did not travel with it.

The squad he leaves and the stakes ahead

Chelsea have invested again. Recent signings include:

• Joao Pedro
• Estevao Willian
• Liam Delap
• Jamie Gittens
• Jorrel Hato

These names add youth and energy. But time together matters. The next coach will need to settle the mix quickly, choose a clear plan, and build trust. The club says there are still key goals left this season, across four competitions, including a push for Champions League qualification. With the team currently in fifth, that race is very much alive. The EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal also stands as a near-term marker.

“Back the kids or lean on the winners? Pick a lane and stay in it.”

The immediate test: Manchester City away on Sunday

The timing is as ruthless as it gets. Chelsea go to Manchester City on Sunday, 4 January. That game will be the first chapter after this decision. City test your shape, your nerve, and your togetherness. For Chelsea, the key will be simple: defend the box, use the ball better in midfield, and turn good breaks into real chances. Even a point would calm the mood and give the club space to plan the next steps.

How the players respond will matter as much as the result. Leaders in the group will have to talk, and everyone will need to run — and then run some more. After the boos against Bournemouth, the fans want to see intent and bravery. Clean passes. Smart pressing. No panic.

Bottom line

Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea with two trophies and a mixed league record. The club is fifth, the form line is cold, and the fans are restless. The board and Maresca agreed a change was the best path to get the season back on track. There is still plenty to play for — a league push toward Champions League places and cup ties that can shift a whole mood.

Sunday at Manchester City is the first test in this new phase. It will not settle everything. But it will show where this squad stands right now and how quickly Chelsea can move from a hard winter to a sharper spring.