Chelsea confirm Enzo Maresca exit amid poor Premier League run - ESPN

Chelsea have confirmed they have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca ahead of Sunday's game against Manchester City.

Maresca's 18-month spell at Stamford Bridge comes to an end after a run of one win in seven Premier League games that left his side fifth in the table, though sources have told ESPN the principal reason for his exit is a breakdown in relation with the club's hierarchy.

Chelsea's official wording on Thursday stopped short of saying that Maresca had been sacked, rather that «Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.»

His exit was confirmed in a 99-word statement following talks about his future.

Sources said the club's hierarchy had become concerned by Maresca's behaviour, with the 45-year-old having been increasingly public with his displays of dissent towards Chelsea's ownership.

Maresca claimed last month he had experienced «the worst 48 hours» of his time at the club in the build-up to a 2-0 win over Everton.

Maresca repeatedly declined to explain that outburst but sources told ESPN that this reflected a growing unease with his working conditions as opposed to a one-off bust-up behind the scenes.

Sources also said that Maresca's public comment took members of his own staff by surprise.

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Chelsea have not confirmed who will be in the dugout for Sunday's key clash against City, though Willy Caballero is likely to lead the team having filled in for Maresca amid a Premier League suspension.

For the long term, sources have told ESPN that Liam Rosenior, in charge of