Chelsea have parted ways with Italian manager Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day after a series of underwhelming outings in recent times.
The Blues were skeptical about continuing with Maresca, and put an end to his stint at the club on Wednesday. The board met to determine his future and Maresca sees his departure just second year into his five-year contract at the club.
Five coaches emerge as strong candidates to replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea amid recent tensions and his departure on January 1, 2026, despite successes like the Club World Cup and Conference League.
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior, 41, stands as Chelsea's leading identified candidate, currently thriving at Strasbourg in Ligue 1 where he secured a seventh-place finish last season and tops the UEFA
Conference League standings this term. The Englishman, formerly at Hull City, aligns seamlessly with Chelsea's youth-focused, data-driven model, having collaborated with their hierarchy on talent development; his attractive, progressive style could stabilize the squad without major upheaval can be an exciting option.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace into a top-five Premier League side this season, following an FA Cup triumph last year, with his disciplined, tactically astute approach yielding major trophies including European honours from prior Eintracht Frankfurt stints. The Austrian's contract expires soon, positioning him for a big-club move; at Chelsea, his preference for large squads and title-winning pedigree would leverage the Blues' transfer appetite to challenge for silverware, addressing Maresca's recruitment clashes.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has excelled at Bournemouth, overachieving in the Premier League with a pragmatic yet exciting style marked by tactical intelligence and high pressing, earning acclaim as one of Europe's brightest young coaches. The Spaniard could bring ready-made top-flight experience to Chelsea, fostering a balanced attack suited to their young roster while instilling resilience against elite opposition.
Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández, available as a free agent post-Barcelona, offers a bold reset with his possession-dominant philosophy rooted in total control and precise passing, honed during a La Liga title-winning spell at Camp Nou. The Barcelona legend's experience managing superstars aligns with Chelsea's expensive squad, promising entertaining football amid their mid-table position (fifth, 15 points off leaders). However, adapting to the Premier League's intensity poses risks, yet his pedigree could reignite Stamford Bridge ambitions long-term.
Cesc Fabregas
Former Chelsea player and a serial winner with the Blues, Cesc Fabregas has been a revelation for FC Como in Italy. One of the new-age managers, Fabregas thus becomes an attractive option for the Blues to replace the Italian Maresca. Although Fabregas has no previous coaching experience in the Premier League, but the Spaniard wouldn't mind for a new challenge.
