The New Year brought the usual old problems at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca, hired in the summer of 2024 to bring stability to the club has now parted ways with the Blues.
Although he guided the Premier League side to victory in the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, his time at Stamford Bridge was cut short due to disagreements between him and the board.
While the Blues sit fifth in the Premier League table, Cobham insiders have described the broken relationship between the Italian head coach and the sporting authorities.
Maresca’s refusal to do his post-match media duties following the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth was seen as the last line of officials.
With the atmosphere turning toxic, Chelsea wasted no time in announcing potential replacements.
They will not be chosen to be the next manager of Chelsea
We look at three possible candidates for Chelsea’s next manager.
1. Liam Rosenior (Strasbourg)
The most logical, albeit controversial, option is within BlueCo’s multi-club network. Liam Rosenior has been tight-lipped about the revelation since taking charge of Chelsea’s sister club, RC Strasbourg.
Under his guidance, Strasbourg currently sit in 7th place in Ligue 1 with one of the youngest teams in Europe’s top five leagues.
Rosenior is already fully integrated into the philosophy of the owners. He understands the recruiting model, works seamlessly with young talent, and plays a progressive, management-based style similar to what the board originally wanted in Maresca.
2. Cesc Fabregas (Como)
A romantic choice. Cesc Fàbregas has taken Serie A by storm with Como. After winning promotion, he defied gravity by keeping the minnows in the top half of the table in 2025.
Chelsea’s mediators have already been in contact with Fàbregas’ camp to gauge his interest in a return to the Premier League.
Fàbregas understands “Chelsea DNA” intimately. As a manager, he brings elite tactical brains and instant respect from the dressing room.
However, his lack of experience in managing the Champions League is still a risk.
3. Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
If a board wants a guarantee of immediate impact, Oliver Glasner is the best.
The Austrian produced a miracle in 2025, leading Crystal Palace to a historic FA Cup triumph and Community Shield victory.
Glasner has no intention of extending his Crystal Palace contract, which expires in June 2026.
Glasner’s high-pressing 3-4-3 system fits Chelsea’s current team profile well, particularly maximizing the effect of wingers such as Reece James and Malo Gusto.
Unlike Rosenior or Fàbregas, Glasner is a proven winner in England who knows how to deal with the pressure of the Premier League.
The former Chelsea boss is interested in a return to Stamford Bridge
