Enzo Maresca left Chelsea earlier this week, but the fallout continues following his surprise exit.
The club want to quickly move on and are about to as they close in on the appointment of Liam Rosenior. It would now take something drastic for the 41-year-old not to succeed Maresca.
However, Chelsea and Maresca’s divorce has become a really ugly one and is playing out in the media.
Maresca leaves at the halfway point 👋
What should expectations now be for the end of the season?
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One particular rumour spreading right now is thought to have left the Blues’ former manager absolutely fuming.
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Enzo Maresca angry after suggestions he was prepared to risk Reece James and Cole Palmer at Chelsea
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Maresca had to manage several players carefully because of fitness issues.
The above includes Reece James and Cole Palmer, with the latter having struggled with a groin problem this term.
There have been claims that Maresca was willing to go against medical advice and risk James and Palmer by playing them when advised not to, leaving the Italian “angry”, according to The Sun.
Pep said this just last month…
What do you make of Chelsea’s chances on Sunday without Maresca on the sideline?
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The fitness of James, Palmer and Chelsea’s other players is now something that Rosenior will have to worry about instead.
Thankfully, the former has not had any issues for a year. Interim manager Calum McFarlane will be pinning a lot on James when Chelsea face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The 26-year-old could be tasked with trying to stop City’s midfield from playing following Moises Caicedo’s suspension.
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Reece James’ and Cole Palmer’s stats under Enzo Maresca
James and Palmer were key players for Maresca, and had the latter not been injured this season, who knows where Chelsea and their former manager would be?
In total, James played 53 games under Maresca. Across those matches, he scored five goals and provided seven assists.
As for Palmer, he made 61 appearances, scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists. If Rosenior can keep the two England internationals fit, that will obviously boost his chances of being successful at Stamford Bridge.
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