Liam Rosenior is emerging as the leading candidate to become Chelsea’s next head coach following the exit of Enzo Maresca. The club begins the search for a new manager after confirming Maresca’s departure amid internal disagreements with the club’s hierarchy.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Chelsea has already activated its succession plan, with Rosenior, currently in charge of Strasbourg, gaining strong backing within the club’s decision-making circle. Sources indicate that talks around a possible transition are progressing, even as Chelsea keeps its options open.
Rosenior, 41, manages Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo, the same investment group that owns Chelsea. His familiarity with the ownership structure, football philosophy, and long-term vision is seen as a major advantage. The former Hull City boss has impressed this season with a clear tactical identity, player development, and disciplined team structure, qualities Chelsea values as it looks to stabilize performance.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Chelsea is already considering potential replacements at Strasbourg should Rosenior complete a move to Stamford Bridge. This signals growing confidence within the club that he could soon take over the role on a permanent basis.
While Rosenior leads the race, Chelsea continues to assess other candidates. Porto coach Francesco Farioli is mentioned as a possible alternative, though he is not believed to be the club’s first choice. Previous links to managers such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva resurface, but there is no clear indication they are actively in contention at this stage.
Chelsea’s leadership is also understood to be committed to maintaining its current playing philosophy. This approach likely rules out managers whose styles do not align with the club’s long-term football model. As a result, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is not expected to be considered.
In the short term, Chelsea confirms that Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane takes charge of the first team for the Premier League clash against Manchester City. McFarlane also handles media duties ahead of the game, as the club seeks continuity during the transition period.
Meanwhile, signs of wider changes emerge at Stamford Bridge. A social media post by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez suggests that members of Maresca’s backroom staff also leave the club, pointing to a broader reset behind the scenes.
As Chelsea navigates this critical moment, attention remains firmly on Rosenior. If confirmed, his appointment would mark a strategic move by the club to reinforce alignment across its football operations, from ownership to coaching philosophy, as it aims to steady results and push forward for the remainder of the season.
