Softfootball understands that Chelsea and Enzo Maresca are facing a tense and uncertain moment, with discussions over the manager’s future escalating in the last 24 hours.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, this is not about January results or the next fixture but an immediate situation between club and coach following a turbulent period that included a frustrating 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, situation getting tense in the last 24h as reported… with club/manager considering future.
It’s NOT about next game or January results — it was never the case.
It’s an immediate situation between Maresca and Chelsea now being discussed.
Senior figures at Chelsea are now actively assessing where the relationship goes next. Maresca, appointed in June 2024 on a long-term deal, has come under scrutiny after a run of poor league results and growing internal tension.
SoftFootball previously highlighted concerns in its detailed review of Enzo Maresca amid Chelsea’s slump and rising friction, pointing to frustration on both sides despite earlier successes that included European silverware and Champions League qualification.
The situation intensified following Maresca’s comments after a win over Everton in mid-December, when he described the previous 48 hours as the worst since joining the club due to a lack of support.
Although he praised players and fans, the vague nature of the statement caused discomfort internally. Club sources felt it hinted at deeper issues with the ownership and football operations structure, something Maresca later declined to clarify.
Tension rose further when Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference after the Bournemouth draw. While illness was cited publicly, reports later suggested it was a deliberate decision taken while he weighed up his position. Inside the club, the absence was viewed as another sign of strain at a time when unity was badly needed.
On the pitch, Chelsea’s form has added to the pressure. The team has won just once in their last seven league matches, slipping to fifth place and falling well behind the title pace.
They have dropped numerous points from winning positions, with fans growing increasingly vocal in their frustration, particularly after key substitutions during recent games.
Despite the noise, Chelsea have not yet decided to sack Maresca. Emergency talks are expected, with the board keen to understand whether the relationship can be repaired. Names such as Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior have been mentioned as possible alternatives, but no final decision has been taken.
For now, Maresca remains in charge, but as Fabrizio Romano stressed, this is not about upcoming fixtures. It is an immediate and delicate situation that could soon define the next chapter of Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild.
