Premier League Bosses Stunned as Enzo Maresca Shocks Chelsea with Abrupt Departure
The shocking exit of Enzo Maresca from Chelsea in the early morning hours of 2026 has captured Premier League attention to kick off the new year, with several high-profile managers throughout the league offering their perspectives on this stunning development.
Maresca, who earned Premier League Manager of the Month honors in November, departed Chelsea following a complete breakdown in his relationship with key club officials that reached an irreparable state.
The rapid deterioration between Maresca and Chelsea is almost incomprehensible in its speed and severity, though it's evident that multiple issues arose in recent weeks, culminating in the Italian's exit from his managerial position.
Several Chelsea squad members posted on social media to express their views and say goodbye to their former coach, though they weren't alone in responding across England's football community.
Premier League bosses Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Andoni Iraola were each questioned about their opinions on Maresca's departure, leading to some notable responses.
Guardiola: Chelsea Lose an 'Incredible' Manager
The timing of Maresca's Chelsea departure becomes even more shocking given the club faces an intimidating trip to Manchester City in just days. Maresca previously worked at City under Guardiola's guidance, and the Spanish manager, who has secured six Premier League championships, spoke candidly about Chelsea's choice to separate from his former coaching assistant.
"I can only say that Chelsea, from my perspective, have lost an incredible, incredible manager and incredible person," Guardiola stated. "But this is a decision from Chelsea's leadership, so I have nothing more to add."
The Spaniard also took a subtle swipe at the Blues, noting the situation "only reinforced how fortunate I am at the club where I work. My club is exceptional."
Recent speculation suggested Maresca could be positioning himself to take over from Guardiola at Man City, a rumor repeatedly raised during Guardiola's Friday media session, causing visible irritation for the City manager.
"No clue," Guardiola responded. "You certainly have more details than I do." When the questions about his future persisted, Guardiola asked journalists if they were hoping for his dismissal.
Still, Guardiola wasn't alone among managers praising Maresca following his Chelsea exit.
Arteta: Maresca Has Done a 'Terrific Job' at Chelsea
Mikel Arteta, similar to Maresca, started his coaching journey as a Guardiola apprentice. The current Arsenal manager has the Gunners positioned well at the top of the table, but before their fixture against Bournemouth, Arteta also took time to commend Maresca's work during his tenure in west London.
"I wish him [Maresca] the very best," Arteta commented. "I genuinely admire Enzo both personally and professionally. I believe he's accomplished a terrific job at Chelsea.
"That's the choice that's been made and I wish him nothing but success."
On November 30, Maresca's Chelsea earned a remarkable draw against Arsenal despite playing nearly an hour down a player. The possibility of Maresca leaving Chelsea wasn't on anyone's radar then, demonstrating how rapidly the situation at Stamford Bridge unraveled.
Iraola 'Didn't Expect' Maresca's Exit
Precisely one month following the Arsenal stalemate, Maresca coached his last Chelsea match in their 2–2 tie against Bournemouth. Maresca's opposing manager that day, Iraola, admitted he was "shocked" upon hearing news of the Italian's exit.
"It's accurate that afterward I wasn't able to speak with him following the match," Iraola shared. "We spoke after our game here three or four weeks prior and discussed the circumstances, the challenges we typically face. But I wasn't expecting this, absolutely not."
Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior has become the clear frontrunner to take Maresca's place at Chelsea. Iraola's name has also surfaced in discussions, but the Spaniard quickly dismissed any speculation about leaving Vitality Stadium for Stamford Bridge.
"Absolutely not, I'm extremely content here," Iraola stated firmly. "My focus isn't on such matters. It's about addressing and improving our current situation at Bournemouth during this period."