Chelsea Football Club is currently undergoing a significant transition following the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Maresca's 18-month tenure at Stamford Bridge concluded amid a "sustained dip in Premier League form" and "growing tensions" with the club's hierarchy. This decision, which followed a disappointing run of only one win in Chelsea's last seven league matches and a frustrating 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, left the Blues in fifth place in the Premier League table.

In the immediate aftermath, Chelsea's U21s head coach, Calum McFarlane, was named interim manager. McFarlane described the sudden appointment as a "whirlwind" and a "crazy 24 hours," yet also "really enjoyable and exciting." His unexpected promotion even required an amendment to his training ground pass to grant him access to the club's press conference room. McFarlane is set to lead the team for their upcoming Premier League trip to Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca, an Italian football manager born on February 10, 1980, is 46 years old as of January 2026. Hailing from Pontecagnano Faiano, Italy, he is currently a free agent. Married to Maria Jesus Pariente, with whom he shares four children, Maresca resides in London. His estimated net worth is between $2-5 million, and he commanded an annual salary of €5 million (£4.2m/$5.4m) at Chelsea.

During his playing career, Maresca was a versatile midfielder known for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions. He started at AC Milan's youth side before moving to Cagliari and then West Bromwich Albion, where he gained early experience despite a language barrier. He later played for prestigious Italian clubs like Juventus, winning the Serie A title in 2001-02, and Fiorentina. His most significant club success came at Spanish side Sevilla, where he was pivotal in winning consecutive UEFA Cups (2006, 2007), netting twice in the 2006 final, as well as the UEFA Super Cup (2006), Copa del Rey (2006-07), and Spanish Super Cup (2007). He also played for Olympiacos, Malaga, Sampdoria, Palermo (winning Serie B in 2013-14), and Hellas Verona.

Maresca transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant at Sevilla, West Ham United, and notably under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City during their treble-winning 2022-23 season. His head coaching career began at Parma in May 2021, followed by a successful stint with Manchester City's U23 side, guiding them to the Premier League 2 title in 2020-21. He then led Leicester City to Championship success in the 2023-24 campaign, securing promotion for the Foxes before joining Chelsea in June 2024.

At Chelsea, Maresca signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year. Despite a strong start to the 2024-25 season, which saw the club briefly tipped as title contenders and secure a fourth-place Premier League finish, his domestic form in the 2025-26 season deteriorated. His tenure concluded with a record of 55 wins, 16 draws, and 21 losses across 92 matches. Despite the domestic struggles that led to his dismissal, Maresca did achieve significant cup success, lifting the UEFA Conference League in 2024-25 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, securing Champions League qualification for the subsequent season. He also won two Premier League Manager of the Month awards during his time at Chelsea.

Maresca's coaching philosophy emphasized control of possession, attacking football, and building play from the back with a high defensive line and an aggressive high press. He typically favored a 4-3-3 formation, often morphing into a 3-2-5 in possession, utilizing inverted full-backs and wide wingers to create a front five and exploit one-on-one situations. This tactical fluidity was seen in his use of players like Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto.

As Chelsea now embarks on the search for a permanent successor, several names have emerged as potential candidates. Liam Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg (another club within Chelsea's BlueCo group), is reportedly a leading contender. His appointment would continue a trend of Chelsea hiring managers with Championship experience. Richard Keys has championed Chelsea legend John Terry, citing his deep understanding of the club's culture. Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has backed Frank Lampard, who has rebuilt his reputation with Coventry City, leading them to the top of the Championship with a clinical, high-intensity attack and strong defense. Kalou also suggested Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola as a strong alternative, known for his teams' intensity, organization, and clear identity. The club is expected to weigh both short-term stability and a long-term vision in their decision.