Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea head coach with immediate effect as club and manager concluded that their increasingly embittered relationship could not continue.

Enzo Maresca left the club just three days before Chelsea face Pep Guardiola’s Premier League title challengers.

Less than six months after guiding Chelsea to Club World Cup success, Enzo Maresca has left. But how did things unravel?

Even by Chelsea’s standards, this was some way to see in the New Year. Following 12 months that had delivered qualification back to the Champions League and two trophies, the club toasted 2026 by parting company with head coach Enzo Maresca.

Enzo Maresca has left his post as Chelsea head coach after a reported deterioration in his relationship with the Premier League club’s hierarchy.

Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior is the leading contender to be the next Chelsea manager, but others remain under consideration.

Chelsea have confirmed they have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca ahead of Sunday's game against Manchester City.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/soccer/chelsea as Inside Enzo Maresca's Chelsea exit: Unanimous board decision, goodbyes with players, next head coach candidates . Enzo Maresca is no longer the Chelsea head coach after 18 months in charge.

Enzo Maresca was far from universally popular as Chelsea boss, but he was also a long way from the most dislike figure at the club.The sporting directors are searching for a new manager once again.