Chelsea’s Managerial Speculations Amidst Season Challenges

According to BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea FC engaged in discussions with Marseille’s head coach over the summer regarding the potential replacement of Enzo Maresca. However, the club appears to be downplaying the likelihood of appointing the former Brighton manager. Prior to Maresca’s appointment in 2024, Chelsea also interviewed Kieran McKenna, the manager of Ipswich Town, but now they are seeking a coach who embodies a similar style of play as Maresca. Strasbourg’s coach, Liam Rosenior, has emerged as a leading candidate, especially considering BlueCo’s ownership of both clubs, and the search for a new manager will encompass a broad range of possibilities.

Currently, Marseille is pursuing a Ligue 1 title challenge, standing in third place, five points behind leaders Lens and four points adrift of second-placed Paris Saint-Germain. They are set to face Luis Enrique’s PSG in the Trophees des Champions final this month.

Rosenior has expressed a strong desire to manage in the Premier League, stating, “My ambition now is to manage in the Premier League, and I feel ready – not least because the games where I have been at my best as a coach have been possession-based. Perhaps it won’t be my next step, but I aim to position myself and my club for a Premier League opportunity next season.”

Chelsea is currently grappling with their performance, sitting fifth in the Premier League, just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal. Maresca, whose contract extends until 2029, oversaw a team still competing in multiple tournaments, including the Premier League, the League Cup—where they face Arsenal in a two-legged semi-final—and the Champions League, in addition to entering the FA Cup at the third-round stage against Charlton Athletic.

In a statement regarding Maresca’s departure, Chelsea noted, “With key objectives still to play for across four competitions, including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change provides the best chance for the team to get the season back on track.”

As Chelsea prepares to face Manchester City this Sunday, Maresca will not be present on the sidelines, and the club has yet to announce who will step in for the dismissed Italian.