It has now been a few days since Chelsea decided to part ways with Enzo Maresca. The Blues are yet to appoint a new manager and are still searching for someone to lead the club moving forward. We have a good idea who that man is going to be though, with Liam Rosenior believed to be in London to interview for the job.
Honestly speaking, the timing of Maresca’s dismissal came as a shock to most of the fans. Although Chelsea were struggling in the Premier League, the situation was not severe enough to justify the sudden departure of the Italian tactician, who, keep in mind, delivered the club’s first trophy under the new ownership with the Conference League and then guided Chelsea to FIFA Club World Cup glory after defeating an in-form PSG in the final.
Now, reports have emerged suggesting that the sacking of Maresca wasn’t a sudden decision by the Blues’ management after all. On the contrary, the Italian manager’s comment regarding the “worst 48 hours” was the starting point of the saga that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Journalist Matt Law has recently spoken on the ‘London Is Blue’ podcast (via The Chelsea Chronicle), revealing details behind the club's decision to sack Maresca. He stated:
"It was described to me as a two-week unraveling. So I think basically Everton is just slightly over two weeks, but I’m guessing that the two weeks took in the Everton post-match comments. I’m told by very good sources, a two-week unraveling and that things have just moved very, very quickly in that two weeks.
“I think there were issues in the background and there were doubts, but I always think that before the last two weeks or so, those doubts were thought of with a view to the end of season review, which had always been the plan. The club had been very, very hard on that."
Matt Law reveals real reason that led to Maresca’s sudden sacking by Chelsea
Maresca was possibly unhappy that Chelsea’s management did not fulfil his request for a new centre-back to bolster the club’s defence following the long-term injury sustained by Levi Colwill before the start of the season. On the other hand, some of the Italian’s decision-making was also questionable in the latter phase of his Blues managerial tenure.
Anyway, what’s done is done, and there is little point in dwelling on it for too long. Chelsea will now have to focus on the season ahead and appoint a new manager as soon as possible. Rosenior is expected arrive as soon as Strasbourg find a replacement.
In the meantime, Chelsea player out a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in their latest Premier League matchup. Calum McFarlane took charge of the squad as interim manager.
Blues fans will be eager to see Chelsea bring in a new coach capable of leading their long-term project forward. At the same time, the focus has to be on delivering success on the pitch. Not the confusing player trading model they got going on.