Chelsea and Enzo Maresca Story Ends
Chelsea Football Club has confirmed it has parted company with head coach Enzo Maresca, bringing an end to his tenure at Stamford Bridge. The club announced the decision in a statement, citing a mutual belief that a change in leadership gives the team the best opportunity to get the season back on track.
During his time in charge, Maresca guided Chelsea to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. The club acknowledged those achievements as an important part of its recent history and thanked the Italian coach for his contributions. Chelsea also wished Maresca well in his future endeavors.
Despite remaining alive in four competitions, including the race for Champions League qualification, the club and Maresca agreed that a new direction was needed. Chelsea’s FA Cup campaign begins next week, and the club is also preparing for a Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, underscoring the importance of stability during a critical stretch of the season.
Roberto De Zerbi Emerges as a Leading Candidate
Attention now turns to who will succeed Maresca. Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as one of the leading names linked to the role. According to a BBC report, the Italian coach is admired by Chelsea’s decision-makers, who met with him during the summer.
De Zerbi is currently managing Marseille, where he has continued to build a reputation for progressive, high-intensity football. He previously led Brighton to European qualification during his time in the Premier League, earning praise for an attacking and demanding style of play. However, De Zerbi is also known for being outspoken when he disagrees with club leadership, a trait that could pose challenges within Chelsea’s hierarchy. Still, some within the club view that risk as worthwhile given his tactical pedigree and experience.
Liam Rosenior Also Under Consideration
Liam Rosenior is another strong contender and is viewed by some as an early favorite. Rosenior is currently head coach of RC Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo, the same ownership group that controls Chelsea through Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Rosenior reportedly impressed key figures in west London after guiding Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in the 2024–25 season, earning qualification for the Conference League. Strasbourg currently sit seventh in Ligue 1, and his work with a young squad has drawn internal admiration from Chelsea’s ownership group.
Other Names in the Frame
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has also been mentioned as a possible option. Iraola’s high-pressing, energetic style differs significantly from Maresca’s approach, but some believe it could suit Chelsea’s young and athletic squad over the long term. His tactical demands require depth, intensity, and commitment, qualities Chelsea’s roster appears built to provide.
Crystal Palace’s manager Oliver Glasner has also been discussed as part of the broader conversation, though no formal indication has been made regarding the club’s level of interest.
Chelsea Look Ahead
Whoever takes over will inherit a squad still competing on multiple fronts and positioned to make a strong push in the second half of the season. With domestic cup matches looming and league objectives still within reach, Chelsea’s next managerial appointment will be critical in shaping the club’s immediate future.
