Chelsea Weigh Maresca Exit as Pressure Peaks Ahead of 2026
Chelsea are considering a swift managerial change at the turn of the year, with Enzo Maresca facing the prospect of dismissal within the opening days of 2026 as the club’s difficult December continues to cast a long shadow.
The Italian coach has come under sustained scrutiny after a run of seven Premier League matches produced just one win, a 2–0 success against Everton, leaving Chelsea outside the title conversation and struggling for consistency as the season enters a decisive phase.
December proved unforgiving. Defeats to Leeds United in the league and Atalanta in the Champions League set the tone, while dropped points against Bournemouth twice and Newcastle United compounded the slide. A 2–1 home loss to Aston Villa last weekend underlined the problem, taking Chelsea’s total to 13 points lost from winning positions in the league, six of them surrendered at Stamford Bridge.
The broader context sharpens the stakes. Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League, 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, and languish 13th in the Champions League standings. Automatic qualification for the last 16 now likely requires victories over Pafos and Napoli, leaving little margin for error as pressure mounts across competitions.
Despite the results, the atmosphere around the club has remained intense rather than subdued. Chelsea progressed to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where an expected 3–1 quarter-final win over League One leaders Cardiff City booked a two-legged tie against Arsenal. The achievement offered brief respite but did little to quiet concerns over league form.
Key incidents have added to the sense of instability. Maresca’s post-match comments after the Everton win drew attention, as he referenced a lack of support during what he described as his most difficult period since arriving in June 2024. While he stressed his affection for the supporters, the remarks prompted questions about relations with the club’s hierarchy.
On the pitch, the pattern has been familiar. Chelsea have often started matches brightly, only to falter under pressure, with defensive lapses and missed chances proving costly. Against Aston Villa, a promising opening gave way to familiar fragility, while the recent 2–2 draw with Bournemouth again highlighted an inability to close games out.
The second-half narrative across recent fixtures has followed a similar arc. Tactical adjustments have struggled to stem momentum swings, and suspensions have further complicated selection. Moises Caicedo will miss the New Year trip to Manchester City after accumulating yellow cards, a significant absence against one of the league’s most potent sides.
Late drama now surrounds Maresca’s future as much as Chelsea’s fixtures. Reports suggest relations between the coach and senior figures have been strained for some time, with developments expected imminently. His contract runs until 2029, with an option for an additional year, but uncertainty hangs over whether he will lead the team into January.
Chelsea begin 2026 with a daunting visit to the Etihad Stadium before opening their FA Cup campaign away at Charlton Athletic and hosting Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Whether Maresca is still in the dugout for those defining matches may soon be decided, with the coming days set to shape both his tenure and Chelsea’s season.