Chelsea owners send Enzo Maresca fresh warning as controversial manager statement released

Chelsea’s owners, Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, have parted with another manager after RC Strasbourg announced the mutual exit of Patrick Vieira. The Ligue 1 club were purchased by BlueCo, a group set up by Boehly-Clearlake to form the start of their multi-club model, last summer.

Vieira was appointed by the French side shortly after BlueCo’s takeover but was only able to lead them to a 13th-place finish (out of 18). A disappointing campaign that saw them lose 15 times, including four of the last five, left supporters frustrated throughout.

The former Crystal Palace head coach has now left after just one year in charge. “The club and Patrick Vieira have mutually agreed to end their collaboration,” a statement confirms.

“The entire club warmly thanks Patrick Vieira for his impeccable commitment. Indeed, in a season of transition, Patrick was able to help young talents progress and always displayed exemplary behavior on and off the field.” Club president Marc Keller adds: “We would like to express our gratitude and thank Patrick for the work he has accomplished during this first phase of the project and we wish him much success in the future. He will always be welcome at the club.”

Strasbourg continue to state that a new coach will be appointed soon. The new French domestic season is due to start in just one month, with the first league games being played on August 18. Strasbourg will be away to Montpellier.

Vieira’s exit now leaves BlueCo with yet another managerial appointment to make. Since they took over at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, four permanent coaches have already left their two clubs, including Mauricio Pochettino just two months ago.

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He departed mutually, like Vieira, despite a positive end to the 2023/24 campaign that saw him secure European football with a young and experience squad that had been formed without his input. The same was true for Vieira throughout his 12 months as well.

The struggles for Vieira with a youthful group of his own angered the Strasbourg faithful and numerous protests against BlueCo took place during the season. In March they were even urged to sell the club if no changes were planned to the recruitment strategy.

Chelsea themselves have had similar problems with a drive towards young players. Evidence of the plans for the multi-club model were made clear within this as Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos both ended up in Alsace on loan during the season.

The Blues ended up turning to Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca in their bid to replace Pochettino. Given just how short BlueCo bosses have so far lasted, Vieira’s outcome may well act as a warning for him moving forward.