Enzo Maresca will not be sacked in the aftermath of the draw to Bournemouth despite one win in seven Premier League games, talkSPORT understands.
However, the Chelsea boss will come under increasing pressure in the New Year if results don’t improve.
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Enzo Maresca’s long-term future at Chelsea remains unclearCredit: Getty
Chelsea hope to review Maresca in the summer but that plan could be brought forwards if form isn’t turned around in the early part of the New Year.
The Blues have won just one of their last seven league games and have slipped down to fifth in the table.
Performances have dipped in that time and fan disgruntlement has increased.
During the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, fans were heard chanting ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.
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That came at the time Maresca opted to replace Cole Palmer with the game evenly poised.
Maresca missed his post-match media obligations, which were conducted by his assistant Willy Caballero.
Despite Maresca reported to have missed the media obligations due to illness, talkSPORT understands the Italian was not sick.
Instead, Maresca chose not to attend his post-match press conference because he is in the middle of making a decision as he considers his options at the club.
It is understood Maresca remains frustrated by aspects of the Chelsea project which are affecting his independence to make decisions and do not always align with how he wants to manage the team.
His frustrations came to a head following the Blues’ 2-0 win over Everton on December 13, where he claimed he’d endured the ‘worst 48 hours’ since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and was a feeling that had been brewing for some time.
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The 45-year-old’s comments made headlines, especially since they came after a 2-0 winCredit: Getty
Maresca has said publicly he loves Chelsea and its fanbase and relishes the pressure of delivering results, but is struggling to work within certain conditions.
Chelsea’s poor form comes off the back of increased tension between Maresca and the club’s hierarchy.
Maresca is also believed to be a candidate for the Manchester City vacancy if Pep Guardiola departs this summer and some within Chelsea feel Maresca’s public comments are linked to a desire to force his way out of Stamford Bridge despite sources close to the him strongly denying this.
Chelsea’s current form remains a concern to those connected with the club.
The Blues have dropped an alarming 15 points from winning positions this season which has seen them drop out of the title picture.
Although Maresca has had to contend with injuries, his rotation of the starting line-up has coincided with inconsistent results.
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Cole Palmer’s substitution appeared to annoy the Stamford Bridge faithfulCredit: Getty
Tuesday’s starting XI was the youngest line-up of any Premier League team this season.
And that points to a lack of experience and leadership within the squad which could have repercussions for both Maresca and Chelsea in the second half of the season.
For the second season in succession under Maresca, Chelsea are suffering from the winter jitters having suffered a blip at the same time 12 months ago.
Last season they picked up just two wins between mid-December and the end of February.
But a repeat could prove pivotal in Maresca’s hopes of clinging to his position as Chelsea boss.
January is likely to be a defining month for the 45-year-old with key matches across four competitions.
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Maresca mujst find a way to get his side firing again starting with Sunday’s trip to Manchester CityCredit: Getty
It all starts with a crunch clash against title-chasing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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Incredibly, Chelsea were a point ahead of Pep Guardiola‘s side five weeks ago but they will head to City ten points adrift.
The Italian has been a more subdued version of himself since revealing details of a tense relationship withy his employers.