Enzo Maresca's tenure with Chelsea may be coming to an end after a disastrous string of results to end the year.
A new year means major news coming out of Stamford Bridge as an atrocious December is left in the past.
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea could be moving on from manager Enzo Maresca after a poor string of results left Chelsea sitting fifth in the English Premier League table rather than within shouting distance of the lead.
In December, Chelsea won two matches, drew in three and lost three, resembling their run of form last December under the Italian. It is a far cry from the expectations of the Chelsea board when it comes to Maresca's performance.
Couple this with Maresca's odd press conference following the Everton match and his sideline antics, this report is anything but a surprise.
And of course there are the rumors swirling about Manchester City being interested in Maresca as Pep Guardiola's replacement should the latter decide to step away from football at the end of the season.
Now, it is hard to see Manchester City taking a chance on Maresca at the helm considering he seems out of his depth when it comes to tactics and squad management at Chelsea. Nor his ability to accept criticism even where it is due.
On the other hand, Chelsea has been known to sack managers at even the slightest amount of adversity faced. The board has spent nearly over £500 million in transfers, is the youngest squad in the EPL and yet they are unable to find real success?
Is that Maresca's fault or would any manager, even the most successful like Pep or Jurgen Klopp, fare much better? Perhaps it is the transfer policy and quick trigger the front office has when it comes to spending money and building out the squad.
At the end of the day it appears to just be another season and another hitting of the panic button at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps patience, a change in tactics and better luck on the injury front could turn the club around.
And finally, considering the spending spree this summer, veteran additions to the squad during January's transfer window might just add the much needed pop that Maresca is looking for.
Regardless, January will be pivotal when it comes to Maresca's role and future at the club. And perhaps his chances of ever managing another blue chip squad in the future.