Chelsea Football Club has sacked head coach Enzo Maresca, ending his 18-month tenure at Stamford Bridge amid poor Premier League form and internal tensions with the board. The club confirmed Maresca’s departure on January 1, 2026, following a run of one win in seven league matches that saw Chelsea slip in the table, coupled with rising fan dissatisfaction.
Maresca’s time in charge had early highlights, including European silverware such as the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, but recent results and reported disagreements with senior figures over tactics, player management, and medical decisions contributed to the split.
With the first-team slot now vacant, Chelsea are expected to appoint a new head coach imminently, and speculation has grown around a shortlist of potential successors.
Leading Candidates for the Chelsea Coaching Role
1. Liam Rosenior — The Frontrunner
Arguably the most talked-about candidate to replace Maresca is Liam Rosenior, currently manager of Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg and widely reported as the club’s leading choice.
At 41, Rosenior is one of the youngest names linked to the Chelsea job. He has impressed in France, guiding Strasbourg to a strong position in Ligue 1 and European competition. His connection to Chelsea’s ownership, both Chelsea and Strasbourg fall under the BlueCo group — is seen as a key factor behind his prominence on the shortlist.
Rosenior has publicly acknowledged the speculation, stating there are “zero guarantees” regarding a move, but he has not ruled anything out.
Why he’s a candidate:
- Strong performance with Strasbourg in France.
- Good rapport with Chelsea’s ownership and understanding of club philosophy.
- Ambitious and progressive tactical approach.
However, his lack of Premier League experience has drawn debate among pundits and fans alike, with some suggesting a more seasoned coach could be a safer appointment.
2. Cesc Fàbregas – A Familiar Face with a Growing Coaching Profile
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has also been mentioned among the names being monitored as the club searches for a new head coach, although his candidacy is understood to be at an early and exploratory stage. The Spaniard, who is transitioning into management following his playing career, has drawn attention for his tactical intelligence and leadership qualities, attributes that defined his time on the pitch and continue to shape his approach on the sidelines.
Fàbregas enjoyed a highly successful spell at Stamford Bridge between 2014 and 2019, playing a key role in Chelsea’s Premier League title-winning teams under José Mourinho and Antonio Conte. His deep understanding of the club’s culture, combined with his experience at the highest level of European football, makes him a compelling option, particularly for a Chelsea squad built around young, technically gifted players.
However, questions remain over his limited managerial experience at elite level, with some observers suggesting the Chelsea role may come too soon in his coaching journey. While an immediate appointment appears unlikely, Fàbregas is viewed as a long-term prospect rather than a front-runner, with Chelsea expected to continue monitoring his development as he builds his reputation in management.
3. Frank Lampard — Club Legend in the Mix
Another high-profile name linked to the role is Frank Lampard, the former Chelsea captain and club legend. Lampard is currently managing Coventry City, where he has been praised for steady progress and leadership.
Lampard previously had two spells in coaching roles at Chelsea, including a head coach position from 2019–2021 and a short caretaker stint in 2023. While his earlier managerial stints at Stamford Bridge yielded mixed results, his deep connection to the club and potential appeal to supporters make him a candidate worthy of consideration.
4. Other Names Under Consideration
Beyond Rosenior and Lampard, several other candidates have been discussed across reputable outlets:
- Kieran McKenna – Currently at Ipswich Town, admired for his tactical acumen and player development work.
- Francesco Farioli – Porto head coach with strong results in Portugal’s top flight.
- Oliver Glasner – Linked by pundits as a more experienced option, though not currently confirmed.
Additional names such as Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, and even ex-manager Jose Mourinho have been floated in the wider rumour mill, though their involvement is more speculative at this stage.
Interim Management and What’s Next
In the short term, Calum McFarlane, Chelsea’s Under-21 coach, will take interim charge of the first team. McFarlane, who joined Chelsea shortly before Maresca’s departure, will steer the side for their upcoming fixtures as the club works on naming a permanent replacement.
The club aims to make a swift appointment to stabilize performance amid a demanding schedule that includes Premier League and European competitions.
Chelsea’s managerial vacancy has sparked widespread discussion, with Liam Rosenior emerging as the current favourite to take over from Enzo Maresca, backed by ownership ties and encouraging performances abroad. Figures like Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna remain in the conversation, each bringing different strengths — from club heritage to tactical credibility.
Whatever the final decision, Chelsea supporters and football observers will be watching closely as the club seeks the next leader to guide Stamford Bridge through the rest of the 2025–26 season and beyond.
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