After Italian manager Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure from Chelsea, there has been a clear divide of opinion in the Blues’ dressing room. More than 15 players – including key player Cole Palmer – have not publicly commented on the matter so far, while another 8 have bid farewell to their former manager via social media.
Last Friday, the entire Chelsea squad returned to the Cobham Training Ground after a two-day break. The day before (Thursday) at 12:18 noon, the club officially announced the decision to terminate its cooperation with Maresca.
Over the past full day, only 8 players have publicly paid tribute to Maresca. Both Enzo Fernández and Robert Sánchez posted farewell messages. Enzo wrote: “Coach, thank you for everything you shared and experienced together during this period... Wish you and your team all the best in the future. We won two trophies side by side, which will always be unforgettable.”
Spanish defender Marc Cucurella posted a group photo from winning the Club World Cup last summer, thanking the manager for the trust he had placed in him. The gratitude from English centre-back Trevoh Chalobah was particularly notable – the player, who was on the transfer list and loaned out last year, regained his starting position under Maresca. He wrote: “Your trust means a lot to me.”
Other players who publicly posted farewell messages include: Jørgen Strand Larsen, Levi Colwill, Pedro Neto and Moises Caicedo.
Meanwhile, 15 players led by key player Cole Palmer have remained silent so far. The list also includes: Gabriel Slonina, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Chuba Akpom, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap, Ian Maatsen, João Pedro, Lewis Hall and Alejandro Garnacho.
Chelsea must turn the page quickly and focus on preparing for Sunday’s away game against Manchester City. With the new manager yet to be confirmed, U21 head coach Callum McFarlane will temporarily lead the team to the Etihad Stadium.
Currently, Liam Rosenior, manager of Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, is regarded as the most likely successor. The club hopes he can continue the tactical system established by Maresca and is expected to officially take office before next Wednesday’s West London derby against Fulham.
