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Enzo Maresca has been in charge of Chelsea since last summer after joining from Leicester City in a £10m move Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to lead the team into next season even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. The club hierarchy, led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, plan to reserve judgement on the 45-year-old Italian until the summer of 2026. That is despite ongoing uncertainty over whether Chelsea will secure a top-five finish following their 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday. With two rounds of the Premier League season remaining, Maresca's team sit fifth, but they are only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, with matches at home to Manchester United and away at seventh-placed Nottingham Forest to come. This has been Maresca's first season in charge, after joining from Leicester City in June 2024. The top five from the top flight will qualify for the Champions League, with the Premier League benefiting from an extra place because of its teams' strong performances in Europe. Chelsea have also reached the Europa Conference League final and will play Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May. If Maresca and his team fall short in the Premier League, injuries throughout the winter period will be considered a significant factor. Underlying data showing their missed chances (the second most in the Premier League) and expected goals (fifth highest in the league) will also influence Chelsea's decision makers. Both metrics illustrate the team are creating a lot of scoring opportunities, even if they are not always finishing them. Chelsea, therefore, are expected to retain the Italian, barring a huge U-turn or falling-out. Delap? Sesko? Garnacho? Chelsea's summer transfer options 'A pricey forearm swing? Champions League all that matters for Chelsea' Senior figures have admired Maresca's hard work, progression tactically and adaptation to a revised club structure, featuring a new set-piece department and an entirely revamped medical structure and recruitment team. They appointed him on a five-year contract, seeing him as the right man for a long-term spell in charge. Predecessor Mauricio Pochettino was on a two-year deal and left after only one season. Chelsea's Blue Co ownership has a wider multi-club model which also features French top-flight side Strasbourg. Both teams play a similar style of football with Englishman Liam Rosenior in charge of Strasbourg. Academy teams at both clubs also play in a possession-based, modern way. Maresca has so far slotted in with the modern vision of Chelsea and any future change of boss would be expected to result in a similar type of coach stepping in. The club have expressed some regret in the past about removing Graham Potter before the end of the 2022-23 season, although they remain resolute that neither Thomas Tuchel nor Pochettino proved to be the right fit for Chelsea. This video can not be played Maresca praises 'unbelievable spirit' despite Chelsea's defeat at Newcastle The man who saved Wembley Stadium In-demand striker David to leave Lille this summer Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Real Madrid trail Mallorca knowing failure to win hands Barca title - plus Coppa Italia final updates Did 'late flag' offside law expose Awoniyi to serious injury? I'm far from quitting as Man Utd coach - Amorim The shocking tale of a predator who fled to paradise A story of love, loss and hope in the face of disaster Aspiring make-up artists battle it out Yinka Bokinni explores the life of Sean 'Diddy' Combs 'It drags up horrible memories' - the dark side of Lions judgement day How does Liverpool target Frimpong compare with Alexander-Arnold? 75 years of F1 in pictures Heavy hangs the crown - sadness at Wiggins' troubles 'This means more' - why some fans booed Alexander-Arnold Hodgkinson prepared for 'nerve-wracking' return Does loyalty really exist in football? Video Does loyalty really exist in football? 'I was on my last chance' - cricketer's anorexia battle 'Box office Blackmore' - pioneer who transformed racing Can Ancelotti fix Brazil and end World Cup hoodoo? How bad have Amorim's United been in the league? A winner as boy and man - what it was like playing against Kohli Bears on loose and Tigers' next hire - Premiership talking points 'Best stand in the world'? Fulham take fan experience to new levels Baton blunder sees USA crash out of mixed 4x100m relay Video Baton blunder sees USA crash out of mixed 4x100m relay Ask Me Anything, the BBC Sport service designed to serve you Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.