Chelsea have moved swiftly to begin the search for a new head coach following the departure of Enzo Maresca, with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior emerging as an early favourite for the vacancy.
Maresca, 45, stepped down on Thursday after only one season in charge, with reports pointing to internal disagreements involving the club’s hierarchy and ownership. His exit marks another shift in direction as Chelsea continue to reshape their long-term strategy.
According to BBC Sport, Rosenior is currently viewed as the leading candidate to replace the Italian, although the club is understood to be weighing up several options. The 41-year-old is in charge of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo, the same investment group that acquired Chelsea in 2022, a connection that is believed to strengthen his position.
Rosenior, formerly of Hull City, is thought to have considerable support within Stamford Bridge, adding to speculation surrounding a possible move to west London. In anticipation of his potential departure, Strasbourg are reportedly assessing alternative coaching options.
Elsewhere, Porto head coach Francesco Farioli has been mentioned as one of the names under consideration as Chelsea continue to survey the managerial market.
Chelsea’s owners are expected to maintain their data-driven and forward-looking recruitment model, focusing on appointing a coach who aligns with the club’s broader vision and long-term objectives.
Before hiring Maresca in 2024, Chelsea had explored a range of high-profile candidates, including Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank, who has since taken charge at Tottenham. Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have also been linked with the role in the past, though it remains unclear whether they feature in the current discussions.
