Chelsea plan for Man City emerges amid next manager hunt after Enzo Maresca departure

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Chelsea will face Manchester City this weekend in their first match after Enzo Maresca's exit

Chelsea’s plan for their Premier League clash with Manchester City has emerged following Enzo Maresca’s departure. The Blues parted company with the Italian on New Year’s Day, following days of intense speculation about his future.

Maresca left Chelsea in fifth place in the Premier League table with his last match being a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Following Maresca’s departure, Chelsea Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane is expected to take charge of the first-team for their clash against Man City this weekend, football.london understands.

McFarlane only joined Chelsea back in July to take charge of the club’s Under-21 team, leaving his previous role at Southampton to take the job with the Blues.

Now, though, McFarlane will be in the dugout at the Etihad Stadium for Chelsea’s clash against Man City this weekend, while the Blues still search for a replacement for Maresca.

Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior remains the early favourite to be Chelsea’s next manager, with the former Hull City boss understood to have impressed the Blues hierarchy during his time with the Ligue 1 club.

Chelsea legend John Terry is understood not to be in the frame, while Marseille manager and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is also not a candidate in mind for the Blues.

"Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company," Chelsea’s statement confirming Maresca’s departure read.

"During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

"Those achievements will remain an important part of the club's recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club.

"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future."