Chelsea Set Sights on Rosenior Following Maresca’s Departure

Liam Rosenior has emerged as the frontrunner to become Chelsea’s next head coach after the club confirmed the exit of Enzo Maresca, according to sources speaking to ESPN.
Chelsea announced Maresca’s departure on Thursday, with indications that the separation stemmed from a breakdown in his working relationship with key figures within the club’s hierarchy.

The Italian’s exit marks another sudden turn in Chelsea’s turbulent managerial journey under the BlueCo ownership.
Rosenior, who is currently in charge of Strasbourg, is believed to be leading a narrow shortlist as Chelsea step up discussions over a permanent replacement. The 41-year-old is said to have impressed club decision-makers behind the scenes, a position reinforced by Strasbourg’s ownership links to BlueCo, the investment group that completed Chelsea’s takeover in 2022.
Although the recruitment process remains officially open, several prominent names are no longer under consideration. Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, who was interviewed before Maresca’s appointment in 2024, is not in the running. Former Chelsea midfielder and Como head coach Cesc Fabregas, as well as Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, have also been ruled out.
Chelsea’s academy director, Calum McFarlane, who is scheduled to face the media on Friday ahead of the club’s Premier League encounter with Manchester City, is not being considered for the permanent role. However, he is expected to oversee the team for Sunday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium while talks continue regarding a long-term appointment.
Sources indicate that Chelsea remain committed to their existing internal structure, despite it being a major source of tension during Maresca’s spell. The former head coach was reportedly unhappy with restrictions imposed by the medical department on certain players’ game time and was also uneasy about the level of oversight within the club.
Maresca is understood to have received detailed technical reports after each match from a support group comprising five sporting directors, a situation that allegedly intensified his push for greater autonomy in managing the squad.
Meanwhile, Porto manager Francesco Farioli has also been linked with the vacancy as Chelsea consider their options, with the club eager to appoint a new head coach swiftly amid growing pressure to restore stability and deliver results.