Enzo Maresca and Chelsea parted ways on New Year’s Day, and reports of issues behind the scenes are emerging. The Italian was reportedly furious with the club and walked away without accepting any compensation.
Enzo Maresca Walked Away From Chelsea for Free
According to a report in The Sun, Chelsea did not have to pay any compensation to Maresca, as he offered to resign. The former Leicester City manager had more than 3.5 years left on his contract, with another option year, which was worth a reported $19 million.
The English publication reported that the Blues would have been required to pay out the entire contract to part ways with the coach. However, Maresca declined to accept any money, as he was keen to leave the club as soon as possible.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol was among the first to report the issues at the club, saying Maresca was at war with the hierarchy and the medical staff. The poor form, which saw Chelsea win just once in their last seven league games, was also noted, but the report suggested that the majority of the issues were not related to on-pitch performance.
With tensions brewing behind the scenes, the club showed its stance by releasing a statement announcing the decision to part ways with the Italian, who had helped them win the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League in his first season. It 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.”
In comparison, Mauricio Pochettino’s exit was announced with comments from the club’s sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. The current USMNT coach was also given the opportunity to send a message to the fans in the same statement.
Graham Potter, who worked at the club just months before being sacked, also received a comment from co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in his departure statement.
