Enzo Maresca has departed Chelsea after a spectacular fallout with the Premier League club’s top brass.
Maresca’s exit comes after a ropey period in which the West London side won just one of their last seven Premier League matches.
After his outburst in the wake of a victory over Everton, the Italian’s departure felt inevitable.
Maresca claimed he has endured “his worst 48 hours” before the game in which the Blues cruised to a 2-0 victory.
Club officials are said to have been less than impressed with the 45-year-old’s press antics, which stem from a supposed friction between him and the medical department.
Maresca is said to hold a different opinion with them over the management of injured players and their returns to action.
In a club statement, the Blues said: “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.”
Bookies have made Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior the early leading contender to take the reins.
Rosenior has drawn plaudits for the job he has done at the French side, and his appointment would be relatively seamless given the relationship between the clubs, owed to their shared ownership.
Ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, also managing in France with Marseille, has also been tipped for the role.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is also said to be under consideration, but club icons Cesc Fabregas and John Terry do not feature on the list of potential suitors.
Chelsea are unlikely to have a new boss in place by the time they travel to Manchester City for Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Maresca’s replacement is expected to be in place in the near future and could even be in the dugout for Wednesday’s West London derby with Fulham.
Chelsea’s poor form has seen them drop out of the top four.
Their early season form drew praise and many were tipping them as potential title challengers.
With the Blues now 15 points adrift from league leaders Arsenal, any lingering title ambitions are seemingly out of the window.
Chelsea are two points off fourth placed Liverpool, who host Leeds tonight hoping to extend their grasp on the Champions League spot.
