Chelsea to continue with Enzo Maresca next season, regardless of UCL qualification

Chelsea have decided to continue with Enzo Maresca as head coach for the 2025/26 season, regardless of whether the team qualifies for the Champions League. The decision was reported by The Telegraph ahead of the club’s final matches of the season.

Maresca signed a five-year contract when he joined the club in the summer of 2024. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea had always internally defined the first two seasons of his tenure as a period of tactical development and identity building. The first formal performance review is not scheduled until summer 2026.

Chelsea began the campaign with promise but have since experienced a drop in form. With two league fixtures remaining — against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest — the club is also preparing for a UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis.

The Telegraph states that Maresca’s position will not be affected by the outcome of these matches. The club values his tactical vision, the improvement in possession metrics, and the development of young players more than short-term league targets.

Although there have been periods of supporter unrest, senior figures remain supportive of Maresca. According to the same report, system stability and a positive trajectory in key performance data have strengthened the case for continuity.

The Telegraph also confirms that AS Roma have expressed interest in Maresca, but Chelsea remain firm in their position and have no intention of entertaining external approaches.

The upcoming end-of-season board meeting will focus on squad planning, transfers, and renewals. Maresca’s position is not expected to be on the agenda, as internal consensus holds that the project is progressing according to plan.

Even a second consecutive sixth-place finish would not be considered a failure, with Chelsea viewing this phase as part of a long-term structural and tactical transition. Maresca’s commitment to a possession-based system and academy integration continues to shape the club’s rebuilding efforts.