After a disastrous December that saw the team’s title hopes vanish, Enzo Maresca’s role at Chelsea has come under close examination. The odds that the Italian will be the next manager to leave the Premier League have also been drastically reduced by bookmakers.
According to Football Insider, Maresca’s chances of losing his job have been reduced to only 8/1, placing him in joint third place behind only Scott Parker and Nuno Espirito Santo. Although no official decision has been made on Maresca’s future, media reports indicate that BlueCo is already preparing backup plans in case they have to fire Maresca.
The 45-year-old still has some credit for qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League and Club World Cup last season, but his ability to make consistent development has been seriously damaged by December’s collapse.
Chelsea’s home record this season is a pitiful 13th, with only seven points out of a possible 21 amid their recent slump. Supporters are doubting whether Maresca is the best candidate to lead Bournemouth after the team’s loss to Aston Villa and missed points against a team that hasn’t won in nine games.
Chelsea reignite interest in Porto star after failed 2024 move
Given that Porto paid €15 million to buy Aghehowa and saw how brilliantly he scored goals, it would be fascinating to see whether they are open to negotiations if the Blues pursue him once more.
With 25 goals, 19 of which came in the Primeira Liga, Aghehowa has had his greatest season at Porto. The squad finished third. Compared to his time at Atletico Madrid, when he had few opportunities, his time in Portugal was far better.
Porto used the €5 million provision in May 2025 to purchase an extra 15% of Aghehowa’s economic rights. The club paid €12 million for the last 35 per cent two months later. As a result, he became the most costly acquisition in Portuguese club history, with a total cost of €32 million.
On the international front, the Spain international has also received recognition. In November 2024, he received his first call-up to the senior squad for Nations League matches against Switzerland and Denmark. On November 18, he made his debut against Switzerland.
