Sources tell ESPN that Liam Rosenior, the current manager of Strasbourg, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as head coach of Chelsea following the departure of Enzo Maresca. The club parted ways with Maresca on Thursday due to a reported breakdown in relations between him and senior personnel at Chelsea.
Calum McFarlane, the academy director, will address the media on Friday ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming match against Manchester City, but he is not a candidate for the head coach position.
With Rosenior being favored, the 41-year-old has made a strong impression within the club, particularly since Strasbourg is owned by BlueCo, the investment group that facilitated Chelsea’s acquisition in 2022.
While Rosenior is considered a top candidate, sources clarify that he is not the only option. Roberto de Zerbi, currently with Marseille, is not being considered despite previously interviewing before Maresca’s hire in 2024.
Additionally, sources have ruled out the possibility of hiring former Chelsea midfielder and current Como manager, Cesc Fabregas, as well as Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.
Chelsea remains committed to its internal structure, even as it reportedly became a point of contention for Maresca. It has been noted that he had disagreements with the club’s medical team, which he believed overly restricted player minutes.
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Following every match, the head coach receives technical feedback from a support staff that includes five sporting directors, and sources indicate that Maresca sought a more influential role in team management.
McFarlane is set to lead the team at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as discussions about a permanent replacement continue. There are also reports linking Porto’s Francesco Farioli to the vacancy.