Joe Cole Urges Chelsea to Consider Former Liverpool Manager as replacement After Enzo Maresca Exit

Joe Cole has suggested Chelsea should at least explore whether Jürgen Klopp could be tempted into a dramatic return to the Premier League following Enzo Maresca’s exit from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea began the new year with a major development as the club officially confirmed that Maresca had brought his 18-month spell in charge to an end. The decision followed a sharp downturn in form during the winter period, with the Blues winning just two of their last nine matches across all competitions. Despite those struggles, Chelsea remain fifth in the Premier League table.

There had already been signs of tension behind the scenes. After Chelsea’s win over Everton last month, Maresca spoke publicly about a lack of “support” and described that period as the most difficult 48 hours of his time in the role. Those comments now appear to have foreshadowed his departure.

Maresca leaves having delivered tangible success, guiding Chelsea to victory in both the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup. Nevertheless, his exit means the club are once again searching for stability, with this set to be their fifth permanent managerial appointment since Todd Boehly’s takeover in 2022.

Attention has quickly turned to potential successors. Liam Rosenior, currently head coach of BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, has emerged as the leading candidate. Reports from France indicate that discussions have progressed rapidly in recent hours, placing Rosenior firmly at the forefront of Chelsea’s plans.

Reacting to the news, Cole expressed sympathy for Maresca and raised broader concerns about the modern pressures facing managers. Speaking to Paddy Power, the former Chelsea and England winger said he was not surprised by the decision, pointing to what he sees as a lack of patience across the game.

Cole suggested that managerial authority has been diluted, arguing that many decisions are now influenced by wider club structures rather than being solely in the hands of the head coach. He also claimed there is often pressure on managers to select certain players, based on conversations he has had with coaches who have moved in and out of jobs.

In Cole’s view, Maresca was not afforded sufficient time, particularly given the circumstances he inherited. He felt the Italian had performed well overall and noted that Chelsea’s own statement following the departure appeared to acknowledge that.

Cole also addressed reports suggesting that medical staff may have had significant influence over team selection during Maresca’s tenure. He said that if such claims were accurate, it would point to serious structural issues within the club. While he accepted that fitness considerations are unavoidable, he stressed that ultimate decisions over player availability should rest with the manager.

Turning to Rosenior, Cole spoke positively about the Strasbourg coach, whom he knows from their shared time at West Ham. He described Rosenior as deeply committed to the game and felt his profile aligned with the direction Chelsea’s ownership has taken in recent appointments, favouring younger coaches with ambition and something to prove.

Cole contrasted the current approach with previous eras at Chelsea, when the club typically pursued established elite managers. He suggested that those at the very top often demand full control, something that does not fit with how the current ownership structure operates.

When asked who he would choose in an ideal scenario, Cole put forward a far more eye-catching name. He admitted it was a long shot but said Klopp would be his preference if Chelsea’s primary objective was to win major trophies. Cole acknowledged the obvious obstacles, particularly Klopp’s strong association with Liverpool, but argued that clubs with ambition and financial power should still be willing to approach the very best.

Klopp stepped away from Liverpool after a highly successful nine-year spell, during which he established the club as a dominant force domestically and in Europe. Following his departure, he accepted a role as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, overseeing football strategy and player development across clubs including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.

While Klopp has stated that a return to frontline management is not completely ruled out, he has consistently made clear that he would not take charge of another English club. Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast in October, the 58-year-old reiterated that if he were ever to manage again in England, it would only be Liverpool.

Klopp explained that he is content in his current position and does not miss many of the day-to-day demands of club management, such as lengthy training sessions in poor weather or the constant cycle of press conferences and media commitments. He also reflected on the sheer volume of matches he has overseen during his career, noting that he has spent extensive time in dressing rooms across more than 1,000 games.

Although Klopp acknowledged that his age means a return to coaching remains theoretically possible, he stressed that he has no immediate plans to do so and is happy to see how the future unfolds.