It looks like the managerial merry-go-round will never stop at Chelsea. That is the only tradition that the new ownership has carried on from the Roman Abramovich era. Back then, those changes had always led to success and were somewhat justified. These days, it feels like it is a result of inevitable behind-the-scenes tension at how things are being run at Stamford Bridge.
That was believed to be the reason behind Thomas Tuchel's exit. Mauricio Pochettino walked out as well. And now, Enzo Maresca has been shown the exit door, after the situation behind-the-scenes appeared to have become untenable.
Maresca's cryptic comments earlier had hinted at problems. And now, it looks like they were right on the mark, although the sacking does come on the back of a poor run of form.
Even then, the season was not lost. The Chelsea ownership could have, and perhaps should have, stuck with him until the end of the season.
'Circus continues' - Chelsea fans react to Enzo Maresca sacking
A lot of fans had accepted this part of the Chelsea identity during the Abramovich era due to the constant success it brought. But they have become frustrated with it these days, due to the lack of the same. As one wrote: "'Circus continues."
Another said: "Enzo Maresca might be gone but if the Sporting Directors don’t leave with him, we will be back to same problem again."
A third added: "Those sporting directors need to leave. No manager will survive under them."
Now, here are our two cents on the matter. Maresca had his shortcomings for sure. His teams did struggle to deal with low blocks. But at the same time, he was phenomenal against top teams when it came to the tactical side of the game. 3-0 wins over Barcelona and PSG are proof enough.
The real issue at Chelsea might very well lie with how the entire operation has been run since the change of ownership. They seem intent on reinventing football, rather than trying to be successful. There is a never-ending chase to build a team of the future, while overlooking the present. If things continue in this manner, it won't be long before the few world-class players that the Blues have, like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, start looking for ways to leave.