Liam Rosenior is the main candidate to replace Enzo Maresca as Chelsea head coach after the club decided to part ways with the Italian.
Chelsea confirmed Maresca’s exit on Thursday, following growing tensions with senior club officials. The search for a new manager is ongoing, but Strasbourg boss Rosenior is currently seen as the front-runner. Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same group that bought Chelsea in 2022, and the 41-year-old is highly rated internally.
Several names are not being considered, including Roberto De Zerbi, Cesc Fabregas, and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
Chelsea’s academy director Calum McFarlane is not in the running for the permanent job but is expected to take charge for the Manchester City match on Sunday.
Maresca is believed to have clashed with the club over player fitness decisions and heavy oversight, including detailed post-match reports from multiple sporting directors. He reportedly wanted more control over team matters.
Porto manager Francesco Farioli has also been mentioned as Chelsea continue discussions over a long-term replacement.
