Chelsea to hold talks over Enzo Maresca future amid growing exit fears

Chelsea are set to hold crunch talks with Enzo Maresca today as uncertainty over the Italian’s future reaches a critical stage, with the under-fire head coach potentially leaving the club before the weekend.

The situation at Chelsea has deteriorated rapidly following a poor run of form and growing tension between Maresca and the club’s hierarchy. New Year’s Day discussions are scheduled to determine the next steps, with sources indicating that a separation could come sooner than originally planned depending on how talks unfold.

Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday night intensified scrutiny on Maresca. In front of senior club figures at Stamford Bridge, the Blues were again unable to see out a winning position — a familiar theme this season.

Maresca was booed by sections of the crowd after substituting Cole Palmer after 63 minutes, with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” audible from the stands. Following the match, Maresca withdrew from his media duties, telling club staff he felt too unwell to speak.

Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches, but it is understood that Maresca’s cryptic public comments have exacerbated internal frustration.

In particular, the head coach claimed he had endured his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club after a victory over Everton — a remark he later refused to explain, both publicly and privately. That refusal is said to have significantly strained relations behind the scenes.

Despite the mounting speculation, Maresca recently insisted he would “absolutely” still be at Stamford Bridge next season. However, today’s talks will determine whether that stance remains realistic.

Chelsea are due to travel to face Manchester City on Sunday, with Maresca scheduled to address the media on Friday. Whether that press conference goes ahead may depend on the outcome of today’s discussions.

Reports on New Year’s Eve suggested that Maresca could even consider resigning, while there is also the possibility of a mutual consent departure if the Italian feels he can no longer continue under the current conditions. His representatives declined to comment when approached.

Daily Mail reported that Chelsea had always planned a formal review after two years in charge, scheduled for this summer. However, the club are now understood to be prepared to act sooner if they believe the situation is no longer sustainable.

Internally, there is a growing belief that Chelsea’s squad should be performing at a higher level. Despite their talent, the Blues have now dropped 15 points from winning positions in the Premier League — more than any other side.

That slide has seen Chelsea tumble from early title contention to fifth place, leaving them closer to Nottingham Forest in 17th than leaders Arsenal at the summit.

January promises no respite, with nine fixtures scheduled across competitions, beginning with Sunday’s daunting trip to the Etihad.

Maresca has also been linked with a potential future move to Manchester City should Pep Guardiola depart in the summer — speculation that surfaced shortly after his “worst 48 hours” comments and has only added to the noise surrounding his position.

Chelsea stood by Maresca during a similar downturn in form last winter, but this time the combination of results, supporter unrest and internal confusion appears far more serious.

Today’s talks could prove decisive. Whether Chelsea double down on their support, accelerate their plans, or agree to part ways with Maresca, clarity is expected soon — one way or another.

Should Chelsea act now to end the uncertainty — or would a managerial change mid-season only deepen the chaos?