Chelsea’s next chapter is about recalibrating a club in transition after Enzo Maresca’s dismissal, and we name the three best candidates to replace him.
Enzo Maresca is no longer at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea announced his departure today. The West London club’s board faces a decision not just about a name, but about identity, philosophy, and the tempo of the project.
Here are three plausible, well-supported contenders, their recent track records, how their teams have played, and how their profiles might align with Chelsea’s current squad and ambitions. Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at a few notable mentions who, while not front-runners, illustrate the broader ecosystem of coaches with Chelsea-tinted appeal.
Three main contenders
Liam Rosenior
Rosenior’s ascent has been rapid, built on organising compact, efficient teams that maximise what they have and push the envelope on discipline and intensity. His time in the Championship brought a clear message: structure first, with a willingness to evolve.
If Chelsea want a coach who can quickly stabilise amid upheaval and install a modern, flexible pressing model, Rosenior offers a credible pathway. RC Strasbourg under Rosenior have emphasised compact blocks with aggressive triggers in transitions.
The setup often used a back four with a high, organised press when the moment allowed, but with pragmatic safeguarding to avoid overextension. He prioritises work rate, defensive shape, and rapid front-foot transitions. Rosenior is not afraid to adapt from match to match based on opponents.
The squad at Chelsea has immense attacking potential and midfield depth. Rosenior’s emphasis on organisation could help in stabilising a defence that has occasionally shown fragility, while his willingness to press high could suit Chelsea’s forward lines, especially against teams who cede possession. His development style could be a bridge toward a more expansive, possession-oriented approach later.
Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas brings a dual identity as a world-class midfielder and an intuitive student of the game. The former Arsenal midfielder’s recent coaching stints may be modest, but his understanding of Chelsea’s culture and world-class football intuition could be a differentiator.
The Spaniard is a name that sparks fans’ imagination and carries a narrative of transition with a touch of romance that can galvanise a group emotionally. At Como, Fabregas has shown a penchant for patient buildup, vertical passes, and a willingness to deploy creative solutions in tight spaces. He values space between lines and timing in distribution.
The Spanish tactician’s teams typically aim to control the tempo, rotate the ball through reverse angles, and exploit spaces behind aggressive presses. The former Arsenal and Barcelona playmaker can be imaginative in transitions, using positional play to unlock compact defences.
The Chelsea squad has players who excel in quick combinations and incisive passing. Fabregas could unlock creative potential, particularly in midfield and the attacking midfield roles, while offering a framework that could slowly shift the team toward a more possession-based identity.
Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi’s reputation rests on an attractive, dynamic style that prioritises ball retention, vertical risk-taking, and high-intensity pressing that transitions into fast, imaginative attacking play. His teams have a distinct identity, cohesive, forward-looking, and willing to take calculated risks in the final third.
For Chelsea, he represents a bold move toward a style that could rekindle excitement and reframe Chelsea’s public narrative. De Zerbi’s Marseille is known for patient buildup at the back, rapid progression through midfield lines, and a willingness to apply pressure high up the pitch to force turnovers. They often deploy fluid front lines with interchanging positions.
The Italian tactician emphasises space creation, ball circulation with a purpose, and rapid transitions once the ball is won. His teams are often difficult to pin down because of dynamic movement and adaptive positioning.
Chelsea’s attackers, none of whom are shy about individuality, could flourish under De Zerbi’s system. The challenge lies in balancing his aggressive presses with the team’s defensive structure and ensuring the squad’s pace lasts across a full 90 minutes.
Notable mentions
Filipe Luis
Filipe Luis’s understanding of wing play and defensive organisation could inform Chelsea’s approach to full-back workloads and inverted wing-back roles. While not a direct coaching candidate, his career provides a template for how smart, technically adept full-backs contribute to a modern, balanced team. The Brazilian has done well at Flamengo, and he could be excited to manage his former club.
Xavi Hernandez
Xavi’s football philosophy aligns with the pursuit of ball-dominant, high-tempo possession. His track record as a manager shows a willingness to implement a rigorous system anchored in a strong midfield identity.
The timing of such a high-profile appointment would require ownership to commit to a long-term plan and substantial onboarding for players to adapt to a new language of football. The cultural and tactical alignment would be critical.
In conclusion, Chelsea’s next manager faces a delicate balance between delivering immediate results and laying the groundwork for a sustainable, fashionable approach to European football. Rosenior offers a stabilising, pragmatic path; Fabregas presents an intellectually exciting, technically precise option; De Zerbi embodies the bold, stylistic ambition Chelsea has publicly pursued.
Each candidate carries distinct advantages and potential pitfalls, and the best choice will depend on the club’s willingness to commit to a coherent identity, alongside the resources to assemble players who can execute that plan.