He did a great job at Chelsea — Arteta reacts to Maresca sacking

Chelsea dropped the bombshell news that Maresca had left his role as head coach on Thursday morning, leaving the Blues fifth in the Premier League table.

While the club enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and was briefly tipped as a title contender alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, a breakdown in relations with the hierarchy ultimately made his position untenable.

The Italian’s exit came just 48 hours after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and follows a run of only one win in Chelsea's last seven league matches.

Tensions had bubbled over last month when Maresca hinted at a lack of support following a victory over Everton, with reports now suggesting he was frustrated by the lack of control over transfers and medical decisions compared to managers like Arteta.

Reacting to the news ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth, Arteta expressed his surprise and professional respect for his former rival.

“I wish him all the best. I really like Enzo as a person, as a professional. I think he’s done a terrific job at Chelsea,” Arteta told reporters.

“That’s the decision that has been made and I just wish him all the best.”

Maresca’s abrupt departure after 18 months in charge, leaves Chelsea in a precarious position ahead of their high-stakes trip to the Etihad this Sunday.

Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane has been handed the reins on an interim basis and will lead the team against Manchester City as the search for a permanent successor begins.