Chelsea took the drastic option of inserting the club’s head of medical onto the bench after former manager Enzo Maresca repeatedly refused to substitute players returning from injury, Daily Mail Sport understands. Sources have disclosed that a major rift had developed over the treatment of those coming back from injury, and instances were Maresca was deemed to have gone against medical advice. Following ‘re-injuries’ to two, unnamed players, Chelsea took the unusual step of inserting no-nonsense Australian Bryce Cavanagh into the technical area. The relationship was further strained when Maresca told the club he had held talks with representatives of Manchester City and Juventus in October and December. Following Maresca’s departure, the club have turned to Liam Rosenior, whose time in charge started with a 5-1 FA Cup victory at Charlton.

Source: Metro January 14, 2026 11:22 UTC