Following Enzo Maresca's unexpected departure from Chelsea Football Club, defender Marc Cucurella has become the first player to publicly acknowledge the manager's exit, expressing gratitude for his work and trust. Chelsea officially announced Maresca's departure on Thursday, January 1, 2026, after what the club deemed an "untenable position".
Maresca's departure comes after a disappointing run in December, where Chelsea managed only one win in their last seven Premier League matches. This slump has seen the Blues drop to fifth in the league standings, a significant 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal, despite earlier hopes of a title challenge. The timing of the decision has raised eyebrows, particularly with Chelsea facing a challenging match against second-placed Manchester City.
In a statement, Chelsea explained that "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". The club also thanked Maresca for his contributions, acknowledging his role in leading the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite the club's appreciation for Maresca's impact, reports suggest that co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were "shocked and annoyed" by comments made by the Italian coach. It is believed that Maresca was frustrated by aspects of the Chelsea project that affected his decision-making independence, leading to strategic disagreements. This frustration reportedly culminated in his post-Everton comments, which had been brewing for some time.
Cucurella's message highlights the impact Maresca had on individual players. The defender had arguably shown significant improvement under Maresca, particularly with the freedom he was given in Maresca's tactical system. Cucurella often played an inverted role, allowing him to roam into midfield and even the final third. His public farewell underscores the manager's influence within the squad.
Chelsea have already begun the search for Maresca's replacement, with reports suggesting that they have contacted Liam Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg. According to journalist David Ornstein, Chelsea's decision to part ways with Maresca was made after his position was "deemed untenable". While Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is not being considered, Rosenior is seen as a potential candidate, with sources indicating that Chelsea believe he is ready to take charge.
Maresca's last match in charge was a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. He did not attend the post-match press conference, with assistant coach Willy Caballero filling in and citing that Maresca was unwell. However, reports later revealed that Maresca chose not to attend as he was considering his options at the club.
