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Chelsea begins search for new head coach after Maresca exit
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has become the leading contender to succeed Enzo Maresca, who departed Chelsea on Thursday following reported tensions with the club's ownership and hierarchy.
Rosenior's strong ties to Chelsea's ownership
Rosenior, 41, is under contract at Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo-the same investment group that acquired Chelsea in 2022. His reputation within the organization has grown significantly, with sources indicating he has substantial internal support for the Stamford Bridge role.
Strasbourg's recent success under Rosenior, including a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 and qualification for the UEFA Conference League, has further bolstered his candidacy. The club currently sits seventh in the French top flight but has struggled recently, losing three of its last four matches.
"He will go right to the top," former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell told BBC Sport last year, praising Rosenior's leadership and player development.
Other candidates in the frame
While Rosenior is the frontrunner, Chelsea is also considering other candidates. Porto manager Francesco Farioli, who has guided the Portuguese side to the top of the Primeira Liga this season, remains in contention. However, securing his services would require triggering a reported £13 million buyout clause.
Roberto De Zerbi, currently managing Marseille, has also been linked with the role. The Italian previously impressed during his tenure at Brighton, leading the club to European qualification for the first time. However, Marseille's strong start in Ligue 1 and the Champions League may complicate any potential move.
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, who previously interviewed for the Chelsea job, remains a mutual admirer of the club's hierarchy. The 39-year-old Northern Irishman has maintained Ipswich's competitive edge in the Premier League despite their recent promotion.
Chelsea's coaching transition
Chelsea's Under-21s head coach, Calum McFarlane, will take charge of the first team for Sunday's match against Manchester City. McFarlane will also handle Friday's pre-match news conference, stepping in following Maresca's departure and the exit of his backroom staff, as indicated by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on social media.
The club has emphasized that its playing style will remain unchanged, ruling out a move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, now managing Coventry City, has also been mentioned as a sentimental option, though his previous stints at Stamford Bridge were not deemed successful.
Strasbourg's dilemma
Rosenior's potential departure could spark unrest among Strasbourg supporters, some of whom view the club as a "feeder" for Chelsea. His exit would leave Strasbourg searching for a replacement while navigating the challenges of Ligue 1 and the Conference League, where they remain favorites.
What's next for Chelsea?
The club's hierarchy is expected to move swiftly to finalize a new head coach, with internal discussions already underway. Rosenior's strong rapport with BlueCo and his track record in player development make him the most likely successor to Maresca.
