Chelsea's decision to sack Enzo Maresca came as a surprise. Yes, they had just one win in their last seven Premier League games. However, this is the man who won them the Club World Cup over the summer.
The writing was on the wall for Maresca when he stated he felt a lack of support in a press conference following Chelsea's 2-0 win over Everton. There is also no obvious replacement for Maresca, which leaves uncertainty at the club.
3 winners of Maresca departing the club
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior has been linked with replacing Maresca. It makes sense as he is the manager of Strasbourg, who are a sister club of Chelsea. Even if the young manager does not get the job, having his name in the mix is very good exposure.
Strasbourg is Rosenior's third managerial job. He was previously with Hull City and had an interim spell with Derby County. His limited experience and the fact that Strasbourg is seventh in Ligue 1 might be red flags for the Chelsea job, though.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will not be Manchester City manager forever, and there are worries from the club that he may bow out at the end of the season. Maresca has been linked with replacing Guardiola at the Etihad.
With Maresca now free from Chelsea, it makes things easier if City wants to recruit him. Maresca was also previously Guardiola's assistant at City before he took the Leicester City job.
Chelsea fans
Chelsea fans never really warmed to Maresca. He did not have the same connection with the fans that a manager such as Jose Mourinho had. Supporters will not be distraught to see the back of Marsca. However, the lack of an obvious replacement is a concern for fans at Stamford Bridge.
3 losers of Maresca departing the club
Estevao
Estevao was starting to prove why he is such a highly rated young talent under Maresca. As he is only 18, it is not ideal that the manager who allowed him to flourish in English soccer is now gone. We do not know who Chelsea's next manager will be, so the 18-year-old may not receive as much game time.
The Brazilian is thought to be a future Ballon d'Or winner. However, he is at a crucial point in his development. The next Blues boss could have a huge impact on his career.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer became a real talisman at Chelsea under Maresca. In total, he scored 34 goals with 21 assists in 76 games under the former Blues boss. The two also worked together at Manchester City. With a new manager, it is a fresh start even for the club's most notable players.
Palmer also starred for Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring 25 goals with 16 assists in 45 games. The attacking midfielder has flourished at Stamford Bridge since leaving City, where he lacked game time. It will be expected that Palmer should be able to thrive regardless of who is in the Blues' dugout.
Moises Caicedo
There is an argument that Moises Caicedo is the best defensive midfielder in the world, who would play under any Chelsea manager. However, under Maresca this season, he has even managed to get forward more. In has scored three goals with one assist in 15 Premier League games this season.
If Rosenior is to be the next Chelsea manager, then you would expect him to play similar soccer to Maresca. Most multi-club models follow a similar style of play. Each coach will have different ideas, but getting the best out of Caicedo will be crucial to the next Chelsea manager's success.