Shockwaves have reverberated through Chelsea Football Club following the abrupt departure of head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day. The Italian's 18-month reign at Stamford Bridge came to a sudden end, leaving players reportedly stunned and disappointed.
Player Reaction: Shock and Sadness in the Dressing Room
Winger Pedro Neto, a signing made by Maresca in August 2024, has publicly expressed the squad's collective feelings. "We were all upset," Neto told Sky Sports. "To be honest, I was a little bit surprised because the manager did very good for us."
Neto praised Maresca's work, highlighting the unbelievable season last year which delivered Europa Conference League and Club World Cup success, and a strong start to the current 2025/26 campaign. Despite the personal sadness, the Portugal international acknowledged the often brutal reality of top-level football. "This is football... the only thing I can say is thank you," he added, wishing his former boss well.
The Breakdown and Immediate Fallout
Maresca's exit is understood to be the culmination of a gradual breakdown in communication with the club's hierarchy. Tensions surfaced publicly last month when the 45-year-old launched a stinging critique of Chelsea's board, lamenting a lack of support after a victory over Everton.
His final match in charge was the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. In a swift turn of events, Liam Rosenior, currently managing BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, has now emerged as the clear frontrunner for the vacant Chelsea job, with discussions said to have intensified.
Interim Charge and a Daunting Etihad Test
Stepping into the breach on a temporary basis is Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane. The 40-year-old faces a monumental first task: leading Chelsea against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday. City are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
McFarlane, who described the last 24 hours as "a crazy whirlwind," praised the squad's reaction in training. "The energy and enthusiasm was exceptional today," he stated, singling out club captain Reece James for his leadership. McFarlane also has prior knowledge of the opposition, having previously worked in Manchester City's academy set-up alongside Maresca.
As Chelsea adapts to sudden change, speculation continues to swirl around Maresca's next move, with reports suggesting he is being considered as a potential long-term successor to Guardiola at the reigning champions.
