Chelsea's decision to part ways with former manager Enzo Maresca is now being viewed as a significant misstep, according to Sky Sports' leading reporter Kaveh Solhekol. In a detailed analysis of the club's recent struggles, Solhekol reveals that the Blues were "glad to see the back" of the Italian tactician—a sentiment they're now regretting as the team's fortunes have taken a sharp downturn.

Solhekol's article delves into the fallout from Maresca's departure, highlighting how the players have never truly forgiven the club for letting him go. "Maresca was somebody who got them into the Champions League and won two trophies in his first season," Solhekol wrote. "But behind the scenes, things went wrong. There were problems with personal relationships, lots of people falling out, and it got so bad that he walked out."

The reporter adds that while Chelsea's hierarchy was relieved to see Maresca leave, hindsight has proven costly. "Looking back now, it was a big mistake to let him go because he was definitely onto something, and the players believed in him."

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly where the blame lies from an outside perspective. Was Maresca too demanding in his expectations? Or should the club's leadership have been more flexible, given his success compared to the managers who came before and after him? What's clear is that things have only worsened since the disputes began last autumn.

With a potentially disastrous weekend ahead—one that feels almost inevitable given recent form—the tension is palpable. Joao Pedro didn't mince words after Monday's defeat to Nottingham Forest, and the mood around Stamford Bridge remains somber.

For Chelsea fans, this serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. Sometimes, the grass isn't greener on the other side—and sometimes, letting a winning formula slip away can leave you chasing shadows.