Chelsea: Five Candidates Signify Intentions After Maresca’s Sack (See list)
- By Metropolix ~
- January 1, 2026 --
- 0 Comment
— Enzo Maresca
By Adeola Idris
The process of appointing a new head coach for Chelsea FC have begun of following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca, with the club expected to move quickly as they aim to stabilise their season.
Maresca was relieved of his duties on New Year’s Day after just 18 months in charge, with Chelsea sitting fifth in the Premier League and having won only once in their last seven league matches.
The club said the decision was taken with “key objectives still to play for”, including qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Sky Sports reports the appointment of a successor could take days rather than weeks, with several candidates already under consideration.
Liam Rosenior has emerged as the early favourite. The 40-year-old currently manages Strasbourg, a club also owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo.
Rosenior guided the French side to seventh place last season and has continued to impress domestically and in Europe. His previous spell at Hull City also earned praise despite ending abruptly.
Oliver Glasner is another prominent name on the list. The Crystal Palace manager is out of contract at the end of the season and has enhanced his reputation after leading the club to their first major trophy with last season’s FA Cup.
Palace remain competitive in the league despite the departure of key players, strengthening his credentials.
Andoni Iraola, currently at Bournemouth, is also under consideration. Although the Cherries sit in the lower half of the table, Iraola is widely admired for his tactical approach and previous success with Rayo Vallecano, where he achieved promotion and stable mid-table finishes.
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas is another option. Now coaching Como in Italy, the Spaniard has guided the newly promoted side to a strong position in Serie A.
While his managerial experience remains limited, his connection to Chelsea and early coaching promise place him firmly in the conversation.
Finally, Xavi Hernández remains an intriguing possibility. The former Barcelona manager has been out of work since leaving the Catalan club in 2024, having won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during his tenure.
His pedigree makes him one of the most high-profile names linked with the role, though his willingness to take on a Premier League challenge remains uncertain.
RELATED ARTICLES
