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Who Will Replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea? Rosenior, Fabregas Among Candidates

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 8:19 AM ET

It's no surprise that Chelsea and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted ways. Though the 45-year-old led the Blues to the 2025 UEFA Conference League title and victory at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, both sides felt that a change was necessary.

Chelsea have won only once in their last seven league matches. The Blues struggled through December, only taking six points from six games. At the time of Maresca's departure, Chelsea is 15 points behind Premier League-leading Arsenal.

The Stamford Bridge club released the following statement on Thursday:

"Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club.

With key objectives still to play for across four competitions, including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future."

Though Maresca was under contract through 2029, his poor results and public and private disagreements with the club's hierarchy over signings and return to play protocols for injured players created an atmosphere of friction.

It definitely didn't help that Maresca's agent, Jorge Mendes, has talked up the possibility of his client succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Maresca has also been linked to Juventus, who are underperforming in fifth place in Serie A under Luciano Spalletti's leadership.

Who Will Take Over at Stamford Bridge?

Aerial view of the Stamford Bridge stadium. The venue is the home facility for Chelsea Football Club of the English Premier League. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport USA TODAY SportsKirby Lee/Image of Sport USA TODAY Sports

Chelsea is expected to name a permanent manager in the near future.

Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior appears to be the most likely candidate to succeed Maresca. The 41-year-old has experience in English football, having previously managed Derby County and Hull City.

He led the Tigers to a seventh-place finish in the EFL Championship to end the 2023-24 season. Hull missed out on the playoffs by three points. Despite earning a nomination for the EFL Championship Manager of the Season Award, Rosenior was sacked by the club due to differences with owner Acun Ilicali over the club's playing style.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner could also be a hot candidate. The 51-year-old Austrian is entering the final months of his contract at Selhurst Park. If Chelsea views Glasner as the ideal replacement to follow Maresca, paying Crystal Palace compensation won't be a stumbling block.

Former Chelsea favorite Cesc Fabregas is likely to be considered in the managerial search. He is currently the head coach of Serie A club Como, who are currently sixth in Serie A.

The former Spain international enjoyed a decorated spell at Chelsea as a player. Fabregas won the Premier League twice and lifted the FA Cup in 2018 in his five years at Stamford Bridge.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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