Chelsea Seeks New Manager Following Maresca’s Departure

A managerial vacancy has opened at Chelsea following the decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach was relieved of his duties on New Year’s Day, despite leading the team to victories in both the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

Maresca had engaged in discussions with Manchester City and Juventus regarding potential future positions, raising concerns about his commitment to Chelsea. Consequently, he is now free to pursue other opportunities, prompting the club to search for a new manager once again—just 18 months after appointing the former assistant to Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

The expectation is that Chelsea will prioritize potential over pedigree in their next managerial appointment, seeking an emerging coach to take over at Stamford Bridge. Cesc Fabregas, a World Cup winner, would fit this profile as he continues to gain managerial experience in Italy with Como.

However, reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Fabregas, who played for Chelsea from 2014 to 2019, is “not a contender” for a return to the club. Similarly, Glasner, who has Premier League experience and won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace in 2025, is also reportedly not in the running, according to The Athletic.

Fabrizio Romano has ruled out Farioli as a candidate, noting that the Porto manager, who is just 36 years old, has assured fans at Estadio do Dragao of his commitment to the club. It is also reported that Chelsea would need to pay £13 million ($17 million) in compensation to secure Farioli’s services, leading the Blues to explore alternative options.

Roberto De Zerbi, currently at Marseille, was also considered but has since been ruled out despite having held talks with Chelsea.

One potential alternative is Liam Rosenior, the head coach of Strasbourg. As a domestic rival of De Zerbi and connected to one of Chelsea’s sister clubs, he could be an accessible option. Although he lacks experience in the Premier League, having previously managed Derby and Hull City, he embodies the youthful dynamism and attacking philosophy that Chelsea seeks.

Another former Chelsea star, John Terry, has been mentioned as a possible returnee. Frank Lampard, who has had two spells as Chelsea manager—one permanent and one interim—is currently making a mark at Championship leaders Coventry City. While it seems improbable that he would leave that role, fellow ex-player William Gallas has suggested that Lampard could return to Chelsea in the future, contingent upon his success with Coventry.

As the search for a replacement continues and with notable candidates like Lampard, Fabregas, and De Zerbi seemingly out of the picture, U21 coach Calum McFarlane is set to take temporary charge for the challenging match against Manchester City on Sunday.