Chelsea's Next Manager Hunt: Six Top Candidates to Replace Enzo Maresca

A warm welcome to 2026 for everyone except Chelsea supporters, who are starting the new year with reports that head coach Enzo Maresca might be on the verge of departing Stamford Bridge.

Serious behind-the-scenes conflicts have escalated to an untenable point where Maresca is reportedly prepared to exit Chelsea, having become frustrated with operating under the existing framework.

Should Maresca depart, it would compel Chelsea to seek their fifth permanent head coach during the BlueCo era. The ownership group assumed control in 2022 and quickly dismissed Thomas Tuchel, while both Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino failed to meet the expectations of Stamford Bridge decision-makers.

Here are six candidates to monitor if Chelsea require a new head coach.

Oliver Glasner

Chelsea have long respected Oliver Glasner's achievements at Crystal Palace—and rightfully so—and might attempt to outmaneuver other interested parties with a winter appointment offer.

Glasner enters the final six months of his Palace deal and, while there's no formal mechanism for arranging summer managerial transfers, negotiations could be possible. After all, Glasner isn't anticipated to extend his stay and may depart at season's end regardless.

Chelsea might even pursue Glasner immediately, though they'd need to negotiate compensation with Palace. The fee would likely be modest given his contract's remaining duration, but this could make the Eagles extremely difficult negotiators—just consider the Marc Guéhi situation.

Tactical compatibility questions would arise, as Glasner employs a 3-4-2-1 formation and utilizes the type of wing-backs that Maresca specifically avoided, though Chelsea's extensive squad depth means any system could be implemented without significant complications.

Liam Rosenior

The most probable appointment appears to be the individual described as Chelsea's "backup option" in several reports, Liam Rosenior from affiliated club Strasbourg.

Hired by the Ligue 1 outfit in July of last year, calling Rosenior a BlueCo protégé would be excessive, but the decision-makers across both clubs clearly see potential in the former Hull City manager and persuading him to work within Chelsea's controversial structure should theoretically be straightforward.

The primary concern regarding Rosenior is his limited experience. Following a brief caretaker role at Derby County, Rosenior completed two solid seasons with Hull before his surprising dismissal for failing to secure Championship playoff qualification in 2023–24—the same campaign Maresca captured the title with Leicester City.

His Strasbourg appointment was unexpected, but Rosenior surpassed expectations in his debut season by guiding the team to seventh place. Several Premier League opportunities were declined as Rosenior instead committed to a new French contract. Moving to Chelsea would represent a considerable advancement.

Cesc Fàbregas

A fan-favorite option would be appointing former Blues legend Cesc Fàbregas, who continues demonstrating his managerial credentials with Serie A newcomers Como.

Similar to Rosenior, Fàbregas lacks extensive experience, but this doesn't appear to concern Chelsea's ownership. Maresca had only 67 matches when offered the Chelsea position—Fàbregas enters 2026 with 57 games to his credit.

As one of football's finest technicians with evident tactical acumen, Fàbregas possesses all desired qualities for a developmental manager, and his Premier League familiarity would ease his transition to the Stamford Bridge touchline.

However, securing him won't be simple. Fàbregas is contracted to Como through 2028 but, more significantly, holds ownership stakes in the club. This would require legal expertise to resolve.

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola's reputation has declined following his exceptional period leading Bournemouth, creating a favorable moment to secure his services.

Since arriving in 2023, Iraola transformed Bournemouth from relegation candidates into legitimate top-half contenders. Recent struggles haven't diminished his proven Premier League success during peak form.

Like Glasner, Iraola has six months remaining on his current deal. Multiple offers are expected, but Chelsea could be his most prestigious suitor, potentially providing a competitive edge.

Another gamble, certainly, but the talent is undeniable, which aligns with Chelsea's current philosophy.

Roberto De Zerbi

Had Chelsea not appointed Maresca in 2024, numerous sources indicate Roberto De Zerbi would have been their alternative choice for the Stamford Bridge position.

The Italian commands significant respect within Stamford Bridge following De Zerbi's outstanding tenure at Brighton & Hove Albion—the genuine model behind most Chelsea operational decisions—and his current Marseille role has also impressed observers.

Tactically, De Zerbi offers compelling reasons for Chelsea's interest. However, the main obstacle to this potential partnership is the Italian's confrontational nature and personal style that seems completely opposite to Chelsea's preferences.

De Zerbi's Brighton chapter concluded following a public disagreement with owner Tony Bloom, after becoming frustrated with youth-oriented recruitment and rejection of his requests for veteran additions. Does this scenario sound familiar?

Xavi

Xavi occupies an interesting position between developmental coach and established winner. Here stands a legendary player with approximately 200 managerial games, nearly half accumulated in Qatar with Al Sadd, but also a former Barcelona manager who captured the 2022–23 La Liga championship.

The 45-year-old has remained unemployed since summer 2024, having resigned from his Catalonian role due to the complexities inherent in managing Barcelona. He's immediately available and might welcome one of the Premier League's premier opportunities.

Xavi's appeal lies in his youth development record—crucial for Chelsea. Under Xavi's guidance, Lamine Yamal emerged, and the manager deserves recognition for cultivating the exceptional winger's development, despite benefiting from a generational talent produced by the club's renowned academy system.

The impression remains that Xavi has considerable managerial growth ahead, despite his substantial high-level experience. Realistically, this combination might make him Chelsea's ideal candidate.