Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola(Image: Andrew Kearns - CameraSport)

New Year's Eve is supposed to be a joyous occasion, full of celebrations, laughter and excitement, but that was not the case for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.

Hours of intense conversations between the now former head coach and senior officials at the west London club on the final night of 2025 led to an inevitable outcome. Maresca was let go.

The Italian was not happy with the conditions he was working in and felt at times as if he was being micromanaged. Chelsea, meanwhile, were not happy with how Maresca was conducting himself at times, whether that was in front of the press or behind the scenes. The former Blues boss fell out with the club's medical department over the fitness and availability of players — and how Maresca sometimes used players against expert advice.

Maresca also informed the club he - as his contract at Stamford Bridge obliged him to do - had spoken to Manchester City and Juventus. There was no real concern of Maresca leaving, with Chelsea made aware that Maresca would be willing...