The pressure on Enzo Maresca has reached a critical point, with the Chelsea head coach now reportedly fighting to save his job before the end of January. The Italian's position is under severe threat following a dismal run of form and a series of self-inflicted controversies that have alienated supporters and baffled the club's hierarchy.
Bournemouth Boos and a Dismal League Run
The situation came to a head at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, where Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth. The result means the Blues have managed just one win in their last seven Premier League matches, a run that has seen them drop to fifth in the table. The home crowd made their frustration clear, booing Maresca and chanting "you don't know what you're doing" when he substituted star player Cole Palmer.
Maresca, who did not speak to media after the match due to feeling unwell, cut a dejected figure. The discontent is not limited to the stands; concerns are mounting within the club about his in-game decisions and his behaviour away from the pitch. This poor sequence follows a period in late November where Chelsea seemed strong, beating Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League and drawing with Arsenal.
Self-Inflicted Wounds and 'Worst 48 Hours' Mystery
Compounding the on-field issues are Maresca's cryptic public comments. After a victory over Everton this month, he claimed to have endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club, alleging that "many people" were not supporting him. He has repeatedly refused to elaborate, leaving Chelsea officials baffled and straining his relationship with the board.
These remarks have fuelled whispers of problems behind the scenes and led to a perception that Maresca has created unnecessary trouble for himself. There have been suggestions he desires more control at Stamford Bridge, but the ownership structure under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with its focus on a large recruitment team, is not for changing.
A January of Destiny and Contingency Plans
Chelsea now face a gruelling nine-game schedule in January, including five league matches, an FA Cup tie, a Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, and crucial Champions League fixtures. The preference for stability is strong, given the club's recent history of mid-season sackings like Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
The board's inclination is to wait until summer for a review, but patience is wearing thin. The club has inevitably drawn up contingency plans, and they will not tolerate the current poor run continuing indefinitely. One name linked as a potential replacement is Liam Rosenior, the manager of partner club Strasbourg, though such a move mid-season would be disruptive.
While there is acknowledgment that Maresca has been without key players like Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer for periods, his tactics and substitutions in defeats to Leeds, Atalanta, and Aston Villa have been heavily scrutinised. Having qualified for the Champions League and won two trophies last season, Maresca has credit, but it is now being severely tested. The coming weeks will decide if he remains as the man to lead Chelsea's project.
