Chelsea in Talks with Ex-Manchester United Coach for Managerial Role

Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea ended abruptly due to a significant drop in results. The team won only one league match in their last seven games, falling out of the Champions League spots.

Although he achieved success by leading Chelsea to victory in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, Maresca often clashed with the club’s ownership.

Upon his arrival, Maresca was seen as a long-term developmental coach. However, as performances declined, he was evaluated as a short-term results-oriented manager, leading to a disconnect that proved unworkable.

This situation made his firing seem less like a response to one poor spell and more like the result of a broader philosophical disagreement between Chelsea’s ownership and Maresca’s expectations of independence.

Interestingly, Maresca was chosen after Chelsea considered several candidates, including Kieran McKenna, who was interviewed during the hiring process, as reported by the BBC.

McKenna’s background as a modern coach with a solid tactical identity and strong development skills appealed to Chelsea’s decision-makers, but the club ultimately chose Maresca’s expertise in positional play.

Now that Maresca is without a job, attention turns to his future, especially as his reputation grows despite his challenging time at Chelsea.

There were reports linking Maresca to the Manchester United job shortly before his dismissal, but such talk seems to be more speculative than immediate.

He reportedly had ambitions for the role, especially after learning of his firing from Chelsea.

Manchester United’s INEOS-led leadership is currently focusing on stability and clear authority, informed by observing Chelsea’s struggles under Maresca.

For now, Maresca is part of the broader discussion around managerial roles, but timing and fit will be essential in determining if Old Trafford could become a possible destination.