Former Man City coach set to take charge of Chelsea as plan emerges after Enzo Maresca departure

Chelsea parted company with Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day with their plan for the Premier League clash with Manchester City now emerging

Chelsea's plan for their Premier League clash with Manchester City has been revealed following Enzo Maresca's exit. The west London outfit announced that Maresca had left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day after days of mounting speculation about the former City coach's future.

Maresca left with Chelsea sitting fifth in the Premier League standings, his final fixture being a 2-2 stalemate against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

In the wake of Maresca's exit, Chelsea Under-21 manager Calum McFarlane is anticipated to take charge of the senior squad for their meeting with Man City this weekend.

McFarlane only arrived at Chelsea in July to lead the club's Under-21 side, departing his former position at Southampton to accept the role at Stamford Bridge.

However, McFarlane will now find himself in the technical area at the Etihad Stadium for Chelsea's encounter against Man City this weekend, while the Blues continue their hunt for Maresca's successor.

McFarlane has previously worked at City where he worked as various roles with the club's academy set-up before going on to join Southampton in 2023, as well as also having worked at Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is reportedly still the frontrunner to become Chelsea's next head coach, with the ex-Hull City boss believed to have caught the eye of the Blues' hierarchy during his tenure with the Ligue 1 outfit.

John Terry and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi have also been linked with being the next Chelsea manager, but are reportedly not in the frame for the job.

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

"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."

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