Enzo Maresca to lead Chelsea into 2025-26 campaign even if Blues miss out on Champions League

Enzo Maresca is expected to continue as Chelsea’s head coach into next season, even if the club falls short of Champions League qualification.

According to sources within the club, the owners are committed to assessing the Italian coach’s progress over a longer period. The current plan is to wait until summer 2026 before making any definitive judgments about his future.

This backing comes amid growing doubt about Chelsea’s position in the Premier League table, following a 2-0 loss to Newcastle that has left their top-five hopes hanging in the balance.

With only two games left to play, the Blues are in fifth place – but level on points with Aston Villa, with only goal difference separating the sides.

Their remaining fixtures include a home clash with Manchester United and a trip to Nottingham Forest, who are still in the race for European football.

Maresca took over at Stamford Bridge in June 2024, following a successful spell with Leicester City, earning their promotion back to the Premier League.

Outdoor gym session. pic.twitter.com/k2sNtu8KLj

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 14, 2025

If Chelsea fail to clinch a Champions League berth, the club’s evaluation of Maresca is expected to take into account a series of injuries that disrupted their momentum during the winter months.

As it stands, Chelsea intend to retain Maresca barring any dramatic shift in internal opinion or unforeseen issues behind the scenes.

He was appointed on a five-year deal, reflecting ownership’s desire to build around a long-term philosophy. For contrast, Mauricio Pochettino – Maresca’s predecessor – had been given a two-year contract but parted ways with the club after just one season.

Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership group has broader ambitions beyond Stamford Bridge, operating a multi-club model that includes Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

Both teams aim to play a modern, possession-oriented style of football. Liam Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg, reflects a similar tactical ethos, and the same principles are being implemented in the academy setups at both clubs.

Maresca’s alignment with this vision makes him a natural fit. Any future change in leadership would likely follow a similar template in terms of football philosophy.

While the club has expressed regret over dismissing Graham Potter before the end of the 2022–23 campaign, they remain firm in their belief that neither Thomas Tuchel nor Pochettino were ideal long-term fits for Chelsea’s evolving identity.