Serie A club Parma have parted ways with manager Carlos Cuesta after just five matches of the 2026/27 league season, with both sides agreeing that the conditions were no longer in place to continue their working relationship.
The decision was announced on Sunday, September 27, during the international break. Parma described the departure as a shared decision following discussions between the club and the 31-year-old Spanish coach.
In a statement, the club said the relationship could no longer continue, particularly regarding the development of its sporting project. Parma also thanked Cuesta and his coaching staff for their work and commitment during their time at the club.
Cuesta Leaves After Difficult Start
Carlos Cuesta leaves Parma after a difficult opening to the new Serie A campaign. The club collected four points from its first five league matches, recording one win, one draw and three defeats.
The timing of the decision is notable because Parma had secured their first league victory of the season in their most recent match, beating Genoa. Despite that result, the club and Cuesta concluded that the conditions were no longer right to continue the project together.
Parma finished 13th in Serie A last season under Cuesta after he took charge in 2025. His departure therefore brings an end to his first senior managerial position after just over a year in charge.
From Arsenal Assistant to Parma Manager
Cuesta arrived at Parma after spending five years as part of Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff at Arsenal. He joined the London club in 2020 and became closely involved in player development and tactical work under Arteta.
Parma appointed him in June 2025 for his first senior managerial role. At the time, Cuesta was 29 and became the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues. He signed a two-year contract after replacing Cristian Chivu, who left Parma for Inter Milan.
His move to Italy was viewed as an important step in his coaching career after years working alongside Arteta at Arsenal.
Parma Begin Search for New Coach
Parma have not yet announced a permanent replacement for Cuesta. The club said Monday’s training session will be handled by the existing technical staff while it considers its next move.
The club’s next Serie A fixture comes after the international break, when Parma travel to face reigning champions Inter Milan on October 10.
Cuesta’s departure is the latest managerial change in Serie A this season, as Parma now begin the search for a new coach to guide the team through the remainder of the campaign.