Enzo Maresca Issues First Statement After Chelsea Sacking

Enzo Maresca has issued an emotional statement on social media, five days after stepping down as Chelsea head coach.

Chelsea parted company with Maresca on New Year's Day following a poor run of form, as well as a reported deterioration in his relationship with the club's hierarchy.

In the months prior to his exit, the Italian was accused of being disrespectful towards Chelsea after holding talks with representatives from Manchester City and Juventus.

Maresca, who worked with City's under-21 team during the 2020-21 season before joining Guardiola's coaching staff, spoke to representatives at City regarding the managerial position on numerous occasions.

In fact, Maresca told Chelsea in late October and again in mid-December that he was talking to people associated with City about 'his candidacy for the managerial position if and when a future vacancy arises', according to The Athletic.

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As well as the above, officials believed the Italian 'lacked mental fortitude and emotional maturity' and went against the advice of the medical team at Chelsea on a number of occasions, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, Maresca thanked the players who accompanied him on a "wonderful journey" as he sent his best wishes for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.

He began: “LEAVE THIS WORLD A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT”

"My journey with Chelsea began with the preliminary rounds of the Conference League.

"I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be.

"I want to thank all the Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months.

"Support that was crucial to achieving Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and winning the Club World Cup. Victories that I will always hold in my heart!

"A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future."

Maresca added: "Thank you, CHELSEA from me and my family."

Shortly before Maresca's statement, Chelsea announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior on a five-and-a-half-year deal with the option of a further season.