Chelsea have dispensed with the services of head coach Enzo Maresca following a dismal run of domestic results that saw supporters voice their displeasure at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian tactician, who took charge in July 2024 as successor to Mauricio Pochettino, managed just a single victory in seven Premier League outings.
Tuesday evening's 2-2 stalemate with Bournemouth proved the final straw, with fans booing the team from the pitch.
Crisis discussions held on New Year's Day culminated in the decision to part company, despite Maresca having delivered silverware in both the Conference League and Club World Cup during his brief tenure in west London.
Enzo Maresca lasted 18 months at Chelsea, winning the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup
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The club released an official statement confirming the departure, expressing gratitude for Maresca's achievements during his time at Stamford Bridge.
"Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club's recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club," the statement read.
Chelsea emphasised that significant targets remain within reach across four separate competitions, including the pursuit of Champions League qualification.
"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track," the club added.
The statement concluded by wishing Maresca well in his future endeavours.
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has emerged as the frontrunner for the Chelsea position
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With the Blues eager to appoint a successor swiftly, Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has emerged as the frontrunner for the position.
The 41-year-old Englishman, who has never managed in the Premier League, has spent two seasons working in France under Chelsea's ownership structure.
His candidacy represents something of a surprise given his relative inexperience at the highest level of English football.
Nevertheless, bookmakers have installed him as the odds-on favourite to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
The club appears keen to make a rapid decision with substantial objectives still attainable in the second half of the campaign.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner sits among the leading alternatives, with his contract at Selhurst Park expiring in the summer.
Cesc Fabregas, currently in charge of Como, is a potential option
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Roberto De Zerbi and former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas have also been linked with the vacancy by bookmakers.
Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and ex-Chelsea defender Filipe Luis feature on the list of potential candidates as well.
More illustrious names have not been ruled out, with Xavi Hernandez, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, and club legend Frank Lampard all mentioned in betting markets.
Could Frank Lampard be back for a third spell at Chelsea?
| PAThe breadth of candidates suggests Chelsea are weighing multiple approaches as they seek to salvage their season.