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Chelsea have parted ways with Enzo Maresca and are on the lookout for a new manager, with several high-profile names already being linked with the vacant position at Stamford Bridge.
Bobby Vincent Senior Chelsea writer and Matty Hewitt Football Writer 13:39, 01 Jan 2026
Cesc Fabregas is not currently in contention to become the new Chelsea head coach, football.london understands. The Spaniard has naturally been linked with the vacant role at Stamford Bridge, given his connection with the Blues, but the Como boss is not someone being considered at the moment.
Nor is Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, despite speculation linking him with the club, while former captain John Terry is also not in the running. However, Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior is among the early leading candidates to take over from Enzo Maresca.
Football.london understands the Blues hierarchy have been left hugely impressed by the work the 41-year-old has done since taking over at partner club Strasbourg.
Chelsea's owners, BlueCo, also own the Ligue 1 club. Rosenior guided them to a seventh-placed finish in his first year in charge and is challenging for European football again this season.
The strong links between the two clubs make Rosenior an obvious contender to replace Maresca, whose time at the club came to an end earlier today.
Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and released a statement explaining the decision to part ways with the Italian head coach.
The club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. 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."
It has recently emerged that Maresca had a falling out with Chelsea's medical department. The former head coach would occasionally field players against the department's advice, which caused friction within the club.
Additionally, there was communication between Maresca's agents and Manchester City, amid rumours of Pep Guardiola potentially departing in the summer.
Maresca dutifully informed Chelsea of this contact - as required by his contract - but those at the west London club viewed it as an unwelcome distraction during a pivotal season at Stamford Bridge.
Amidst all this uncertainty surrounding his future, Maresca's relationship with the media also seemed to deteriorate.
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