Chelsea stunned fans on January 1, 2026, by sacking manager Enzo Maresca following a disappointing 2–2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Despite recent successes, including winning the 2025 UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup, the club decided to terminate his contract.
Softfootball highlights three possible reasons behind the decision.
Recent Results and Dropped Points
Chelsea’s recent form has been a major concern. The club reportedly dropped around 20 points from winning positions across both the Premier League and European competitions. These inconsistencies put pressure on the management, as performances no longer matched expectations despite the quality in the squad.
Maresca’s Media Interactions
Some of Maresca’s comments in press conferences may have contributed to his downfall. In one instance, after a win, he stated that he had suffered the “worst 48 hours” of his time at Chelsea and suggested he lacked support.
These remarks were widely believed to reference internal issues, possibly disagreements with the club’s independent medical department over player injury management and match fitness decisions.
Links to Other Clubs
There were also reports linking Maresca to other managerial opportunities duo he denied it, including possible interest from clubs connected to Manchester City. Such links may have raised concerns within Chelsea about his focus and long-term commitment, especially during a period of poor results.
While Chelsea have yet to officially detail their reasons, these factors combined are believed to have influenced the club’s decision. Softfootball will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as Chelsea move closer to appointing a new manager.
