Chelsea are searching for a new head coach following the departure of Enzo Maresca, with bookmakers already installing a clear favourite to take charge at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s exit comes after a turbulent spell in west London, with tensions between the Italian and the club’s hierarchy reportedly building over the summer. The situation appeared to worsen when Chelsea declined to approve defensive reinforcements following a serious injury to Levi Colwill, a decision that left Maresca increasingly frustrated.
Those concerns became public when Maresca described experiencing his “worst 48 hours” at the club, comments that were widely interpreted as a sign of a breakdown in relations with the board. While sections of the Chelsea fanbase shared those frustrations over transfer business, patience at Stamford Bridge eventually wore thin.
Supporters made their feelings clear during the recent defeat to AFC Bournemouth, when Maresca was met with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” after substituting Cole Palmer. The Italian departs after a run of just one win in seven Premier League matches.
Now bookies have opened their next manager odds markets.
Next Chelsea manager odds
- Liam Rosenior 1/4
- Oliver Glasner 8/1
- Filipe Luis 10/1
- Cesc Fabregas 10/1
- Francesco Farioli 12/1
- Andoni Iraola 14/1
- Roberto De Zerbi 16/1
- Xavi Hernandez 16/1
Rosenior has emerged as the standout candidate in the betting. The former Hull City boss is currently enjoying an impressive spell with Strasbourg, guiding the Ligue 1 side to a seventh place finish in his debut season. Strasbourg’s promising position in the UEFA Conference League has only strengthened his reputation, and his employment under the BlueCo umbrella could make negotiations more straightforward.
Former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez remains an intriguing option if Chelsea opt for a higher profile appointment. Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in May 2024 and would represent a statement choice should the club look to make a significant managerial splash.
Elsewhere, Premier League based coaches Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner continue to attract interest, particularly with uncertainty surrounding their current contracts. Both are seen as proven operators capable of steadying Chelsea during a period of transition.
Former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas is another name expected to be firmly on Chelsea’s shortlist. Fabregas led Como to a tenth place finish in Serie A last season and currently has the club occupying a European qualification spot, further enhancing his managerial credentials.
With Chelsea once again turning to the market for a new leader, attention now shifts to whether the club opts for a familiar face, a rising coach from within their ownership network, or a marquee appointment to reset direction at Stamford Bridge.
