Chelsea Begin Search for New Manager After Maresca Exit

Chelsea are looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Enzo Maresca, with bookmakers already pointing to a clear frontrunner to take the job at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca’s departure brings to an end a troubled stint in west London, with reports suggesting his relationship with the club’s hierarchy had been deteriorating for some time. Matters came to a head over the summer when Chelsea refused to sanction defensive signings in the wake of a serious injury to Levi Colwill, a decision that left the Italian deeply unhappy. He made little attempt to hide it, publicly describing his “worst 48 hours” at the club in comments that were widely read as a sign that the working relationship had broken down beyond repair.

While some supporters sympathised with his frustrations over the club’s transfer activity, results ultimately sealed his fate. Chelsea won just once in seven Premier League matches, and the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge grew toxic during the recent defeat to Bournemouth, when Maresca was met with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” from sections of the crowd after substituting Cole Palmer.

Liam Rosenior has quickly emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to step in. The former Hull City manager has impressed during his time at Strasbourg, steering the Ligue 1 club to a seventh place finish in his first season and putting them in a strong position in the UEFA Conference League. His connection to the BlueCo ownership group, which controls both Strasbourg and Chelsea, is likely to make any potential move considerably smoother from a business perspective.

Xavi Hernandez is another option being discussed, particularly if Chelsea decide they want a more high profile name in the dugout. The former Barcelona head coach has been without a club since leaving the Nou Camp in May 2024 and would represent a considerable statement of intent should the club pursue him.

Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner are also being monitored, with uncertainty surrounding both managers’ contract situations adding to the speculation. The pair have built strong reputations in the Premier League and are considered capable of providing stability during what is another unsettled period at the club.

Cesc Fabregas, who enjoyed a successful playing career at Chelsea, is expected to feature on the shortlist as well. The Como head coach guided the newly promoted side to a tenth place finish in Serie A last season and currently has them pushing for a European spot, a run of results that has significantly raised his profile as a managerial prospect.

Chelsea now face a decision on which direction to take. Whether they opt for a familiar face from within their ownership network, a proven Premier League operator, or a marquee appointment to make a broader statement, the pressure will be on the club’s hierarchy to get it right this time.

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