Chelsea release statement as they confirm reason for Enzo Maresca exit - The Mirror

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea have mutually gone their separate ways, with the club releasing a statement detailing their reasons for the Italian's exit, which comes during a poor run of form

Chelsea have claimed that Enzo Maresca's exit has been done to "give the team the best chance of getting the season back on track" after they and the Italian mutually agreed to part company.

Maresca's exit has accelerated over the past 24 hours and a decision has been made to go their separate ways. The ex-Leicester City boss has been in charge for 18 months but the team have won only one of their past seven games in the Premier League, which has seen them slip out of the Champions League spots.

The Italian has the club well placed in Europe but results have fallen off and the club's statement suggests that the change in the dugout comes as they believe they can still salvage their season.

A statement read: "Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. 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.

"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."

Maresca had won the Europa Conference League in his first season and got the club back into the Champions League. In the summer he claimed the Club World Cup, dominating PSG in the final in New York. The ownership, led by Todd Boehly, have not been shy in changing managers however.

Maresca is the fourth manager they've dismissed following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino. Liam Rosenior, the Strasbourg boss, who had also been in charge at Hull previously, is seen as the favourite to take charge. The French club and Chelsea share the same ownership.

Maresca had hinted at issues internally when he claimed the build-up to the victory over Everton in mid-December had been "the worst 48 hours" since he arrived at the club. However when pressed he refused to give any great detail.

Pressed to expand on his comments he added: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When quizzed on whether he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

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