Maresca’s Chelsea Reign Ends with Unwanted EPL Record
Chelsea’s New Year began with a jolt as the club confirmed the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca by mutual consent.
In doing so, Maresca etched his name into Premier League history, though not in the way he might have hoped, becoming the first manager ever to leave his post on New Year’s Day.
The Italian’s tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted 18 months, a spell marked by both triumph and frustration. He guided Chelsea to success on the continental stage, lifting the UEFA Conference League, and then to global glory with the FIFA Club World Cup. Those trophies remain proud milestones in the club’s recent history.
Yet the Premier League proved a tougher battleground. According to Opta Joe, Chelsea averaged 1.74 points per game under Maresca. Among managers with 30 or more league matches in charge of the Blues this century, only Frank Lampard (1.52) and Mauricio Pochettino (1.66) fared worse.
Maresca’s overall record reads: 92 games, 55 wins, 16 draws, and 21 defeats. Respectable numbers, but not enough to satisfy the demands of a club chasing Champions League qualification and competing on four fronts.
As Chelsea turns the page, Maresca departs with silverware in hand but an unwanted Premier League record attached to his name.
