PEDRO NETO has admitted the Chelsea squad were surprised by the departure of Enzo Maresca.
Despite winning the in the summer, after weeks of internal friction between manager and club chiefs.
Pedro Neto has admitted his surprise and sadness at Enzo Maresca’s departure from ChelseaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Maresca was given the boot on New Year’s Day after weeks of frictionCredit: Getty
The 45-year-old left the club with a semi-final to look forward to and in the top five in the Premier League.
joined the club in the summer of 2024, the same window as Neto arrived from Wolves.
And the 25-year-old winger has revealed his sadness and surprise at the decision following the 2-2 draw at against Bournemouth.
Speaking to Sky Sports , he said: “After the game [against Bournemouth], of course we wanted to win, I think we had a little bit the idea—of course we didn’t have the idea but it was a bit like, we were all upset.
“And then when I heard the news, to be honest in the beginning I was a little bit surprised, because the manager did very good for us.
“He did an unbelievable season last year, he was doing a good season this year.
“Of course, we wanted to do better, we always want to do better.”
Neto was one of several players to wish him well on social media following his sacking.
He reiterated his thanks as he continued his interview.
Neto said: “But this is . Of course, for me, I’d be a little bit sad because it was the manager that helped me a lot in these years.
“He helped a lot, I learned a lot with him.
“On personal terms, he was unbelievable as well.
“The only thing I can say is, ‘Thank you,’ but it’s football and we have to go through it and go to the next game already thinking about us as a team and try to win it.”
Chelsea will be managed by Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane while Blues bosses search for a new manager.
The likes of Liam Rosenoir from Clearlake affiliate club Strasbourg have been linked with the role.
Potential replacements for Maresca
Here is a look at the potential candidates to replace Enzo Maresca in Chelsea's dugout...
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior, like Maresca, would arrive at Chelsea without any Premier League managerial experience.
He is currently impressing at Strasbourg in Ligue 1 with the French side battling for a European spot.
Rosenior would be a fairly simple hire for the Blues, considering Clearlake also own the Alsace outfit.
Cesc Fabregas
The former Chelsea midfielder has built himself a solid reputation in the dugout since taking charge of Como 1907.
The Spaniard led the club to promotion from Serie B to the top flight of Italian football for the first time in 21 years.
Cesc Fabregas now has Como pushing for European qualification, and he is viewed as one of the most promising managers in the top leagues.
Xavi
Xavi has been out of football management since being sacked by Barcelona in 2024.
However, he is still highly regarded having led the LaLiga giants to a league and Spanish Super Cup double in 2023 despite financial constraints.
Chelsea would be free to talk to Xavi over a deal and there would be no compensation to be paid.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner has been one of the most impressive managers in the Premier League since his arrival at Crystal Palace in 2024.
He has led the Eagles to FA Cup and Community Shield glory in his short time in South London.
The Austrian has previously been tipped for the top job at Manchester United should Ruben Amorim be sacked.
Marco Silva
A move for Marco Silva could prove difficult due to the Portuguese boss currently in charge of West London rivals Fulham.
The former Hull City and Everton manager has brought the Cottagers back to the Prem and helped solidify their spot.
Silva has long been backed for a chance at a top job and Chelsea could represent a decent opportunity.
Andoni Iraola
Bournemouth have just dealt with a summer of losing some of their best players like Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.
They could now face the prospect of seeing their Basque boss walk out on the club if Chelsea come calling.
Andoni Iraola led the Cherries to a 9th-place finish in his first season in the Prem and earned plenty of plaudits in doing so.
John Terry
Now, John Terry does not have any managerial experience but would certainly be the romantic choice.
Chelsea have previously given chances to Frank Lampard in the dugout and could opt to do the same with Terry.
Terry has some experience in coaching, having previously held assistant roles at Aston Villa and Leicester City.
Bonus – The Special One
If they get desperate, there is also the option of making a move for the old reliable Jose Mourinho.
The iconic manager is currently leading Benfica in his homeland but could be tempted by a third stint in charge of the Blues.
He previously won three Prem titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup during his previous two spells in charge.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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