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Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca thanks fans and players for 'wonderful journey' after Liam Rosenior replaces Italian
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Published 06/01/2026 at 18:16 GMT
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Enzo Maresca paid tribute to Chelsea's supporters and players as he reflected on his time at the club after his departure on New Year's Day. The Italian wrote on his Instagram account, looking back on 18 months at Stamford Bridge, where he secured UEFA Champions League football, the UEFA Conference League title, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Liam Rosenior has been announced as his successor.
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Video credit: SNTV
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca thanked the club’s players and supporters for the "wonderful journey" he enjoyed at the helm.
Maresca left the club on New Year’s Day when weeks of speculation over the Italian’s future came to a close.
Pressure had been building on the Italian after he had overseen just one victory in his last seven Premier League matches, and rumours broke that he was under consideration to replace Pep Guardiola should the Spaniard leave Manchester City, as well as stories that Manchester United were eyeing him up as a potential future manager.
In his first full season, Maresca guided Chelsea to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League to ensure UEFA Champions League football for the current season, despite a run of poor form over the winter months threatening to derail their campaign.
The Italian won the UEFA Conference League at the end of May to claim his first trophy with the club, and then followed it up with the FIFA Club World Cup title, which had led to optimism at the club and more heavy spending in the summer transfer window.
Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Dario Essugo, Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Joao Pedro, Kendry Paez and Mamadou Sarr all arrived on permanent deals, while Facundo Buonanotte was brought in on loan.
Writing on social media, Maresca reflected on his time at Stamford Bridge.
"Leave this world a little better than you found it," read Maresca's post.
"My journey with Chelsea began with the preliminary rounds of the Conference League. I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be.
"I want to thank all the Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months. Support that was crucial to achieving Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and winning the Club World Cup. Victories that I will always hold in my heart.
"A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future."
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Chelsea appointed their Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane as Maresca’s interim replacement, and on Tuesday confirmed that Liam Rosenior would take over on a permanent basis, joining from fellow BlueCo club, Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
Under McFarlane, Chelsea drew against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, potentially Maresca’s next destination as manager should Guardiola depart the club, if rumours are to be believed.
The Blues rescued a 1-1 draw on Sunday, with Enzo Fernandez scoring in the fourth minute of injury time to put a dent in City's title charge.
The point was enough to leave them fifth in the table, which may again be enough to secure Champions League football next season, depending on English clubs' success in Europe.
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