Newcastle United legend and Premier League pundit Alan Shearer has launched a scathing critique of Chelsea's decision to part ways with manager Enzo Maresca, branding the club's approach as "bonkers".
Shearer's Blunt Assessment of Chelsea's Model
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer dissected the situation that saw Maresca depart Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day 2026 after just 18 months in charge. The Italian's exit came amid a reported deterioration in his relationship with the club's hierarchy over squad structure decisions, with Chelsea also said to be dissatisfied.
Shearer pinpointed the club's controversial transfer strategy as the core issue, stating, "You know when you go into that job what you're doing, it's a very different football club to others in terms of how it's managed. That's not Maresca, that's the people above him."
He elaborated on the model of buying young talent, developing them, and offering long contracts with a view to selling for profit. "I don't think you're going to win the league like that," Shearer asserted. "You might get into the top four because you can spend, but in the main, the guy coming in has to do better than the guy that's just left."
Was Maresca's Sacking Justified?
Shearer strongly defended Maresca's record, arguing the manager had performed admirably within the constraints placed upon him. Chelsea were sitting fifth in the Premier League table at the time of his departure, just one win away from the top four and with a strong chance of securing Champions League football for a second consecutive season.
"The guy that left won two trophies last year," Shearer reminded listeners, referencing Maresca's cup successes. "They were sitting in fifth... so, I think he did a really good job. I'm not sure he could have done any better. His stock is high."
The former England captain highlighted the apparent contradiction in Maresca's exit, noting he was named Premier League Manager of the Month in November 2025, despite a subsequent run of only one win in seven games.
The Inevitable Cycle and a Reasonable Request
Shearer's analysis suggests Chelsea have created a recurring problem for themselves. He believes Maresca's key strength was his willingness to work within the club's unique structure and develop young players—a trait that may be hard to find in a successor.
The breaking point, it seems, was not a demand for superstar signings, but a pragmatic request to replace injured starting centre-back Levi Colwill. Shearer implied this was a reasonable hill to die on for the manager, but perhaps the wrong one for the club to take a stand over.
Looking ahead, Shearer predicts turmoil. Any established manager with a reputation will likely demand significant transfer backing. Even if a younger appointment, like linked candidate Liam Rosenior, succeeds initially, Shearer warns they will "some day reach the same point as Maresca did."
He concluded that while a youth-focused model isn't inherently flawed, even clubs like Arsenal have needed key, polished signings to elevate them. By refusing to budge, Chelsea are either setting up a repeat of this scenario or merely delaying the inevitable clash with their next head coach.
Shearer's final verdict was succinct: "Am I surprised? Not really. I think Chelsea is a bonkers football club at times."
