Chelsea has parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca after a poor run of form which saw it win just one of its last seven league matches.

Maresca departs Stamford Bridge after a year-and-a-half in which it won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, and secured automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League with a fourth place finish.

The Blues have a busy run of fixtures coming soon, starting with a trip to Manchester City on Sunday, and will thus be keen to appoint a new manager soon.

Here are five managers that could potentially take the helm at Stamford Bridge:

Liam Rosenior

One of the early favourites for the role is Liam Rosenior. The 41-year-old Englishman is currently in charge of Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, and has impressed in his season-and-a-half in charge. Strasbourg finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season – qualifying for the UEFA Conference League – and has made a similarly impressive start to this season. It is currently fifth in the league, and finished on top of the Conference League group stage table. However, Rosenior is a relatively inexperienced manager for a high-profile club like Chelsea.

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola has led Bournemouth to consecutive Premier League-best finishes.

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Reuters

If Chelsea is to look within the Premier League for its next manager, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola will likely be an attractive candidate for the role. The Spaniard has impressed at the Vitality Stadium with a dynamic brand of attacking football, and has led Bournemouth to its best Premier League performance in consecutive seasons. However, his Bournemouth side has tended to be defensively vulnerable given its gung-ho style, which could be a concern for Chelsea.

Xavi

Xavi’s last managerial stint came with Barcelona.

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AP

Another candidate for the role will be Spanish legend Xavi, who has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024. The 45-year-old led Barcelona to the 2022-23 La Liga and Supercopa Espana titles, and previously impressed in charge of Al Sadd as well. He has been linked to other managerial roles since leaving Catalonia, but has not yet taken up a job.

Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas managed Como to tenth in its first Serie A season for 21 years.

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AP

Another interesting option that Chelsea will be considering is its former midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has been at the helm of Serie A side Como, leading it to tenth in its first season in the Italian top-flight for 21 years. Results have been promising this season as well, with the side currently sixth in the league, though like Rosenior, he lacks experience and is currently in his first job as a manager.

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner is coming towards the end of his contract with Crystal Palace.

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REUTERS

Oliver Glasner could also be in the frame for the role of Chelsea manager. The Austrian is approaching the end of his contact at Crystal Palace having done an impressive job there. Under his stewardship, Palace won its first FA Cup title, and went on a record-breaking 19-game unbeaten streak in 2025.

However, Glasner has also spoke critically about the club’s lack of investment, particularly after the departure of Eberechi Eze, and could be well placed to take over in West London.

Published on Jan 01, 2026