Cucurella Breaks Silence Following Shock Dismissal of Enzo Maresca

The revolving door at Stamford Bridge has swung once more, this time claiming Enzo Maresca just eighteen months into his tenure as Chelsea head coach. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League on the first day of 2026, the Chelsea hierarchy confirmed the departure of the Italian following a reported breakdown in relations with the club’s board. As the dust settles on the dismissal, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has become the first member of the first-team squad to break the dressing room silence, issuing a heartfelt farewell to the man who led the club to both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles during his stint.

Taking to social media on Friday, Cucurella—who enjoyed a notable resurgence in form under Maresca’s tactical setup—expressed deep gratitude for the “trust and memories” shared during their time together. “Thank you for everything, mister, and to your staff. For the work and the trust from day one, and for the memories!” the left-back posted on X. He concluded his message by wishing the 45-year-old manager success in his “next chapter,” an era that many speculators believe could begin at the Etihad Stadium as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola.

The timing of Maresca’s exit has raised eyebrows across the footballing world, coming just days before a pivotal Premier League clash against title challengers Manchester City. Despite the silverware won in 2025, a dismal festive period that saw the Blues win just one of their last seven league matches proved to be the tipping point. The team’s recent slide to fifth in the table—sitting 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal—convinced the club’s owners, Clearlake Capital, that a change was necessary to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

Behind the scenes, the atmosphere at Cobham had reportedly grown increasingly strained. Maresca’s final game in charge, a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve, was punctuated by boos from the Stamford Bridge faithful, particularly following his decision to substitute star playmaker Cole Palmer. The Italian had also hinted at internal strife in mid-December, describing the period following a win over Everton as the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure due to a perceived lack of support from senior club officials.

With the first team effectively in limbo, Chelsea have turned to Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane to take the interim reins for Sunday’s daunting trip to Manchester. McFarlane, who was officially introduced to the squad on Friday morning, described the last 24 hours as a “whirlwind” but praised the professionalism of the players during training. He highlighted the leadership of captain Reece James in helping steady the ship as the club begins the search for its fourth permanent manager under the current ownership.

The hunt for a successor is already in high gear, with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior emerging as the heavy betting favorite. Rosenior’s connection to Chelsea’s multi-club sister side makes him an attractive “continuity candidate” for a board that remains committed to a data-led approach. Other names currently circulating in the rumor mill include Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Porto’s Francesco Farioli, though club insiders suggest the hierarchy is keen to make a swift appointment to avoid further season-threatening drift.

For Cucurella and his teammates, the challenge now is to block out the administrative chaos and focus on the immediate task of facing a rampant Manchester City. The Spaniard’s public backing of his former boss serves as a reminder of the human element in a business often defined by cold statistics and sudden departures. As the Blues prepare to enter a new tactical era, the shadow of Maresca’s trophy-laden but ultimately short-lived reign will loom large over the upcoming winter transfer window.