Sources have told The Athletic that Chelsea had given Maresca two votes of confidence before things went sour. One of those occasions was in the days after the 2-1 defeat at Atalanta on December 9, when he was assured his job was not at risk after he had conveyed concerns about what would happen if they lost their next match to Everton.

Enzo Maresca left the club just three days before Chelsea face Pep Guardiola’s Premier League title challengers.

Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea head coach with immediate effect as club and manager concluded that their increasingly embittered relationship could not continue.

Raheem Sterling is prioritising a permanent move away from Chelsea this month amid interest from West Ham and Fulham, sources have told ESPN.

Enzo Maresca, who has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, revealed to Chelsea on a couple of occasions prior to his New Year's Day dismissal that he has held talks with officials at Manchester City regarding a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane will be in charge of the first team for Sunday's clash with Manchester City, and he is not expected to make any major tactical changes in the team.

Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane says it has been a "crazy" 24 hours since replacing Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.