A senior player at Chelsea fears the team have gone back to square one after the departure of Enzo Maresca according to a source speaking to The Athletic.
Maresca left Chelsea on Thursday just 18 months into a five year contract, but he did guide Chelsea back into the Champions League and win both the Conference League and Club World Cup.
It now means Chelsea are looking for yet another new manager under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.
Reaction to Enzo Maresca leaving Chelsea
Maresca did a good job at Chelsea in the circumstances, and had a good knack of setting the team up to get results in big games.
The Blues beat PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final, whilst they also beat Barcelona 3-0 earlier this season in the Champions League.
Maresca had a tried and tested set up for the big games, and whilst it didn’t always work, the Blues were somewhat competitive at the very least.
The fall out from Maresca’s departure has continued over the past couple of days, and The Athletic have provided some inside information.
“One source had been told by a senior player how Maresca was seen as giving stability to the club and a major factor in how they were able to compete against the best sides in matches.
“But now Maresca has gone, the player fears the team has gone back to square one and that his departure will have a major impact on the dressing room.
“The source says the player believes it sends a message that it will be difficult for Chelsea to contend for trophies on a regular basis if this regular change in the dugout approach continues.”
Calum McFarlane to lead Chelsea against Manchester City
With Maresca gone, Chelsea have to focus on Sunday’s game against Manchester City, with under-21s boss Calum McFarlane set to lead the team.
McFarlane faced the media for the first time on Friday afternoon, and will be tasked with trying to get a result at the Etihad.
The Blues face a tough task with Moises Caicedo suspended, but they could be boosted by the return of Marc Cucurella, although a final decision has yet to be taken on the Spaniard.
