Top 5 possible manager to replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Enzo Maresca left Chelsea after 18 months in charge, during which he won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, his tenure was reportedly marked by ongoing conflicts with the club’s hierarchy. With Maresca’s departure confirmed, Chelsea must move quickly to identify a replacement to steady the team for the remainder of the campaign.

The list of candidates is limited, given the timing in the middle of the season. For the immediate future, assistant manager Willy Caballero is expected to take charge for several matches, but the club are actively searching for a permanent solution. Some familiar names, such as John Terry, are not considered viable options, while Frank Lampard is currently focused on guiding Coventry City in their promotion push.

Roberto de Zerbi

Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi is seen as a strong contender for the role at Stamford Bridge. The Italian has Premier League experience from his time at Brighton, where he led the club into European competition with a clear tactical identity and strong control of his squad. However, De Zerbi is known for his outspoken nature, and his direct approach could potentially lead to further tensions, similar to those experienced under Maresca.

Liam Rosenior

Another Ligue 1 manager on the list is Liam Rosenior, who is widely regarded as a leading candidate for the Chelsea job. Rosenior is currently in charge of Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo, the same ownership group as Chelsea, meaning he is already familiar with the club’s structure and vision. He is also reported to share a similar coaching philosophy with Maresca. Nevertheless, his relative lack of experience at the highest level remains a concern.

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is enjoying an impressive season, with his side sitting second in the Championship and firmly in contention for promotion to the Premier League. McKenna is highly regarded for his man-management skills and his work with young players. However, like Rosenior, questions remain over whether his limited experience at the top level would be sufficient for a role of Chelsea’s magnitude.

Andoni Iraola

The first Premier League manager on the list is Andoni Iraola. Bournemouth’s head coach currently has his team sitting 15th in the table, but his tactical approach is viewed as a good fit for Chelsea’s young and energetic squad. Iraola favours an intense, high-pressing style that differs from Maresca’s approach and could potentially make Chelsea a more aggressive and dynamic side.

Oliver Glasner

The final candidate is Oliver Glasner, with the Crystal Palace manager entering the final months of his contract. Glasner has earned widespread praise for Palace’s recent performances, including victories in the FA Cup and the Community Shield. His tactical philosophy is believed to align well with Chelsea’s squad profile, making him another strong option that the club could consider.