Chelsea insist director-led model will remain after Maresca exit

Chelsea say they will stick with a director-led structure after parting company with Enzo Maresca, rejecting claims the club has become unmanageable following his abrupt exit. The club operates with a five-strong sporting director team led by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and have sought to avoid concentrating power in one manager.

Since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover in 2022, Chelsea have had four previous permanent head coaches and are now looking for a fifth. Insiders emphasise Maresca was not blocked in the transfer market: Chelsea bought wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto and striker Liam Delap to suit his preferred style.

The club says it tailored recruitment to his demands rather than imposing transfers on him. Sources report a change in Maresca’s demeanour after the Club World Cup final and say Chelsea were unsettled when he suggested a new contract would stop his reported approaches to other clubs.

The club views itself as a partnership in which coaches fit the existing structure. When Maresca complained of a lack of support and called it his “worst 48 hours”, it is said he was referring to being unable to override medical advice on starting certain players rather than tactical interference.

Key Topics

Sports, United States, Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, Todd Boehly, Sporting Directors