“I’m worried about Chelsea – I fear Enzo Maresca will be sacked before Christmas,” says the Blues legend

WILLIAM GALLAS has revealed he fears Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be sacked “by Christmas”.

Maresca took over as manager at Stamford Bridge this summer after leaving Leicester City.

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Blues legend Gallas has reflected on the club's sobering pre-season tour of the USA.

So far, they have played four games in the US and won just one, most recently losing 4-2 to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas said: “Even though it is still pre-season, I am worried about Chelsea and when I look at the squad, I am worried.

“Despite all the money they have spent, the squad is still not good enough to qualify for the Champions League. They have so many players and still need more quality.

“Could Enzo Maresca be fired before Christmas? Anything can happen in football.”

Chelsea have spent well over £1 billion on transfers since Todd Boehly took over the club in May 2022.

And last season, former head coach Mauricio Pochettino managed to secure the club a place in Europe, finishing sixth in the Premier League.

But despite his impressive turnaround after a dismal start to the season, the Argentine was sacked.

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And Gallas hopes that Maresca can at least carry the Blues through to the end of the season.

He continued: “I hope he stays at least until the end of the season and gets the chance to show what he can do, but it will always be the same problem.”

“If he doesn't have the right players and the right team to compete in the Premier League then it will be incredibly difficult for him.

“Not only Chelsea, but all Premier League owners have run out of patience.

“Maybe Arsenal did that with Mikel Arteta and Manchester United with Erik ten Hag, but most people don’t think long-term.

“Managers today come for six months or a year. I hope Chelsea refrain from doing that and stay with Maresca for the long term.”

Maresca is the fifth manager the club has had since Boehly and Co. arrived in West London.

Gallas added: “His future depends entirely on the manager's objectives and whether he is happy with the top four or the top six.”

“I think they will only change their coach if they are in 15th place at the turn of the year. Otherwise he will stay.”

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