Enzo Maresca departs Chelsea, citing professionalism
Enzo Maresca has finally broken his silence regarding his dismissal from Chelsea, addressing his exit from Stamford Bridge after five days of speculation, reports BritPanorama.
The 45-year-old Italian expressed his sentiments in an Instagram post on Tuesday, stating he leaves the club with “inner peace.” He began his statement with a quote from Scout movement founder Robert Baden-Powell, highlighting a commitment to leaving things better than before.
Maresca thanked the supporters and players for their support throughout his 18-month tenure, acknowledging the collaborative efforts during his time at the club. His stint included two trophies in his only full season, with Chelsea winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup, thereby marking the first silverware under the BlueCo ownership.
However, his final weeks at Chelsea were characterised by poor results, with the club winning just two of their last nine matches, and a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth being his last game in charge. The situation prompted mounting discontent within the club’s hierarchy, particularly concerning his professional conduct.
Officials voiced dissatisfaction with Maresca’s decision to miss a post-match press conference, claiming he cited illness without justification, leaving assistant Willy Caballero to handle the situation alone. Frustrations also arose from his management of injured players and reports linking him back to Manchester City, a former club where he served under Pep Guardiola.
Shortly before Maresca’s statement, Chelsea announced Liam Rosenior as his successor. The timing of Rosenior’s confirmation meant that Maresca’s farewell message came after the club had already introduced his replacement to fans.
Notably, Maresca did not address the criticisms directed at his management, such as accusations of lacking “mental fortitude and emotional maturity.” He opted to focus on the achievements during his time at Chelsea, closing with heartfelt gratitude for the club.
As Maresca moves on, his departure serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in football, where the weight of expectation can often overshadow individual contributions, leaving behind a complex legacy at a club steeped in history.
