Change is in the air at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca after just 18 months at the helm, ending what many saw as a promising yet tumultuous tenure. The Italian, who made history as the first Chelsea manager of the Todd Boehly era to last into a second season, leaves the club sitting fifth in the Premier League table, 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. The timing? Just days into the new year and ahead of a daunting run of nine fixtures across four competitions in January—starting with a high-stakes trip to Manchester City.
Maresca’s departure comes despite his trophy haul in 2025, which included the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Yet, recent results painted a less rosy picture: just one win in Chelsea’s last seven top-flight outings and only two victories in nine matches across all competitions. The final straw appeared to be a 2-2 draw with struggling Bournemouth at home, a game after which Maresca failed to attend his post-match press conference, citing illness. According to a club statement, "With key objectives still to play for across four competitions, including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track."
The decision, described as mutual, was hardly a bolt from the blue. Speculation about Maresca’s future had been mounting amid reports of a strained relationship with key figures in Chelsea’s hierarchy and public criticism from Maresca himself regarding the club’s scheduling and resources. His comments after a grueling 48-hour turnaround between a Champions League defeat at Atalanta and a narrow win over Everton—calling it "the worst at the club"—hinted at deeper tensions. To add spice to the story, Maresca had been linked with Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, a rumor that only intensified as Chelsea’s form dipped.
So, who will take the hot seat next? The rumor mill is in overdrive. The early frontrunner is Liam Rosenior, the 41-year-old head coach of Strasbourg—a club owned by Chelsea’s parent company, BlueCo. Rosenior, who took over at the Ligue 1 outfit in July 2024, has quietly impressed with a 50% win ratio and guided Strasbourg to European qualification. His familiarity with the BlueCo multi-club setup and a style of play that mirrors Maresca’s possession-based approach make him an appealing candidate. As of now, bookmakers have Rosenior as the odds-on favorite at 3/10 to step up to the Stamford Bridge challenge.
But Rosenior isn’t the only name in the frame. The list of potential successors reads like a who’s who of European coaching talent. Roberto De Zerbi, currently at Marseille and admired for his high-octane football at Brighton, is reportedly well-liked by Chelsea’s decision-makers—though his outspoken nature could be a double-edged sword. Cesc Fabregas, a club legend now coaching at Como, would be a romantic choice for supporters, while Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth brings Premier League experience and a pressing style that could suit Chelsea’s young, energetic squad. Crystal Palace’s FA Cup-winning manager Oliver Glasner was initially linked, but The Athletic reports he’s no longer in contention. Other names, including Kieran McKenna (Ipswich), Xavi Hernández (formerly Barcelona), and even Unai Emery (Aston Villa), have been floated, though some seem less likely given their current situations and Chelsea’s immediate needs.
In the short term, the club’s interim plans remain unclear. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who has filled in during Maresca’s touchline suspensions and even addressed the media in his stead recently, could be asked to steady the ship. Alternatively, U21 coach Calum McFarlane—appointed in July 2025 after a stint at Southampton’s youth setup and a previous overlap with Maresca at Manchester City’s academy—might be handed the reins temporarily. What’s clear is that Chelsea’s hierarchy is moving quickly, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reporting confidence that a permanent appointment could be sealed within days. However, it’s exceedingly unlikely that a new boss will be in place before Sunday’s trip to Manchester City, leaving the team in a state of flux at a crucial juncture.
The urgency for a new manager is palpable. Chelsea’s packed January schedule features nine games across the Premier League, domestic cups, and European competition. With Champions League qualification and silverware still on the line, the pressure to get the next appointment right is immense. The club’s ownership, led by Todd Boehly, has developed a reputation for ruthlessly hiring and firing managers since taking over in mid-2022. Maresca’s exit marks the third managerial change in less than four years, following Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino. The revolving door at Stamford Bridge shows no sign of slowing, and whoever steps in next will inherit both a talented squad and sky-high expectations.
Rosenior’s potential appointment is particularly intriguing given the unique structure of Chelsea’s ownership. The BlueCo group’s multi-club model means that internal promotions—like Rosenior’s possible move from Strasbourg—are more feasible and appealing. Rosenior’s record, which includes leading Hull City close to the Championship playoffs and quickly turning Strasbourg into European contenders, has earned him plaudits. Yet, the leap to a club of Chelsea’s stature, with its relentless media scrutiny and demanding fanbase, would be the biggest test of his managerial career.
Meanwhile, the club’s supporters are left to ponder what went wrong for Maresca. Despite the silverware and flashes of brilliance, his tenure ultimately unraveled due to a combination of poor results, internal friction, and perhaps the weight of expectation that comes with managing one of England’s most ambitious clubs. As Chelsea gears up for a critical phase in their season, the spotlight is firmly on the boardroom—and the next man tasked with leading the Blues back to glory.
For now, Chelsea’s journey continues under interim stewardship, with a daunting away fixture at Manchester City looming large. The search for a new permanent manager is well underway, and fans can expect developments in the coming days. The only certainty? At Stamford Bridge, change is the only constant.
