Premier League 2025-26: Who could replace Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager?

Chelsea have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca after a poor run of form that saw them win just one of their last seven league games.

Maresca leaves Stamford Bridge after a year and a half in which it won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, and automatically qualified for the UEFA Champions League with a fourth-place finish.

The Blues have a busy run of games coming up, starting with a visit to Manchester City on Sunday, and will therefore be keen to appoint a new manager soon.

Here are five managers who could potentially take over at Stamford Bridge:

Liam Rosenior

One of the early favorites for the role is Liam Rosenior. The 41-year-old Englishman is currently in charge of Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg and has impressed in his season and a half in charge. Strasbourg finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season – qualifying for the UEFA Conference League – and have made a similarly impressive start to this season. They are currently fifth in the league and finished at the top of the Conference League group stage. However, Rosenior is a relatively inexperienced manager for a high-profile club like Chelsea.

Andoni Iraola

As Chelsea look for their next manager within the Premier League, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is likely to be an attractive candidate for the role. The Spaniard has impressed with some dynamic attacking football at the Vitality Stadium and has led Bournemouth to their best Premier League performance in successive seasons. However, his Bournemouth side were defensively vulnerable given his aggressive style, which could be a problem for Chelsea.

Xavi

Another candidate for the role is Spanish legend Xavi, who has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024. The 45-year-old led Barcelona to the La Liga and Supercopa España titles in 2022/23, and has previously impressed when in charge of Al Sadd. He has been linked to other management positions since leaving Catalonia, but has not yet taken a job.

Cesc Fabregas

Another interesting option Chelsea will consider is former midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard was at the helm of Serie A club Como and led the side to 10th place in their first season in the Italian top flight in 21 years. Results have continued to be promising this season, with the side currently sitting sixth in the league, although like Rosenior he lacks experience and is currently in his first job as a manager.

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner could also be in line for the role of Chelsea manager. The Austrian is nearing the end of his spell at Crystal Palace after putting in some impressive work there. Under his leadership, Palace won its first FA Cup title and enjoyed a record-breaking 19-match unbeaten run in 2025.

However, Glasner has also been critical of the club’s lack of investment, especially following the departure of Eberechi Eze, and could be well placed to take over in west London.

Published on January 1, 2026