Chelsea Begin Manager Search After Enzo Maresca Sacking 7 top candidates for the Chelsea job

Chelsea are actively searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca, bringing an abrupt end to the Italian’s time at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues began December sitting third in the Premier League table, but a difficult run of form saw them slip out of the top four. With only one league win recorded during the month, pressure mounted behind the scenes, culminating in Maresca’s departure.

The 45-year-old’s exit followed a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy, and Chelsea have now moved on as they look to steady the season. With a significant portion of the campaign still to be played, the club are expected to act quickly to appoint a successor and provide clarity ahead of the coming fixtures.

Several names have already been identified as potential candidates for the vacancy, with a mix of emerging coaches, established managers and familiar figures linked with the role.

Liam Rosenior

Liam Rosenior is viewed as a leading contender to take over in west London. Like Maresca, Rosenior would arrive without prior Premier League managerial experience, but his recent work has attracted attention.

The former Hull City defender is currently in charge of Strasbourg, where he has impressed in Ligue 1. The French side are pushing for a European place, and Rosenior’s approach has earned widespread praise.

His appointment could also be straightforward from an ownership perspective, as Strasbourg fall under the same Clearlake umbrella as Chelsea, potentially easing negotiations.

Cesc Fàbregas

Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has also emerged as a possible option. Since stepping into management with Como 1907, the Spaniard has built a strong reputation in Italy.

Fàbregas guided Como to promotion from Serie B to Serie A, marking the club’s return to the top flight for the first time in 21 years. Under his leadership, Como are now pushing for European qualification, further enhancing his standing.

He is regarded as one of the most promising young managers in Europe, with his tactical ideas and leadership drawing positive reviews.

Xavi

Xavi remains available after leaving Barcelona in 2024 and is another name under consideration. Despite his departure from the Camp Nou, the former midfielder is still held in high regard.

During his time in charge, Xavi led Barcelona to a LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup double in 2023, achieving success despite the club’s financial challenges.

Chelsea would be able to hold talks with Xavi without needing to pay compensation, making him a realistic option should they decide to pursue an experienced coach with elite-level pedigree.

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner has been one of the standout managers in the Premier League since arriving at Crystal Palace in 2024. His impact in south London has been immediate and significant.

The Austrian guided Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield success in a relatively short period, further strengthening his reputation in English football.

Glasner has previously been linked with top roles elsewhere, including speculation over a move to Manchester United if Rúben Amorim were to leave Old Trafford.

Marco Silva

Marco Silva is another name on Chelsea’s shortlist, though any move would come with complications. The Portuguese coach is currently in charge of Fulham, Chelsea’s west London rivals.

Silva has played a key role in stabilising Fulham in the Premier League, having previously managed Hull City and Everton. His work at Craven Cottage has been widely credited with re-establishing the club in the top flight.

He has long been viewed as a manager capable of stepping up to a major role, and Chelsea could represent that opportunity, even if prising him away from Fulham would prove challenging.

Andoni Iraola

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has also been linked with the vacancy. The Cherries endured a difficult summer, losing several key players including Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.

Despite those setbacks, Iraola led Bournemouth to a ninth-place finish in his first Premier League season, earning praise for the team’s performances and organisation.

Chelsea’s interest could present another test for Bournemouth, should the club face the prospect of losing their head coach as well.

John Terry

John Terry represents a more sentimental option. While he has yet to hold a senior managerial role, the former Chelsea captain remains a hugely popular figure at Stamford Bridge.

Terry has previously gained coaching experience as an assistant at Aston Villa and Leicester City. Chelsea have shown a willingness in the past to hand opportunities to former players, as seen with Frank Lampard’s spells in charge.

A move for Terry would be based more on familiarity and connection with the club than on managerial track record.

Bonus option – José Mourinho

As a final alternative, Chelsea could turn to a familiar face in José Mourinho. The Portuguese manager is currently in charge of Benfica but has a long history with the Blues.

Mourinho previously enjoyed two successful spells at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup. A third return would be highly notable if Chelsea opted for experience during a turbulent period.

With Maresca now gone, Chelsea’s focus turns fully to identifying the right figure to guide the team through the remainder of the season. The club’s next decision will be crucial as they aim to recover their league position and restore stability in the dugout.