Maresca’s exit comes after 18 months in charge, a tenure marked by both silverware — including the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup — and a dip in league form that saw Chelsea slip down the Premier League table. 
Rosenior Set to Take Over
According to multiple sources, Liam Rosenior is emerging as the leading candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge. The Strasbourg head coach — a figure already familiar to the Chelsea ownership group due to the shared BlueCo ownership between Chelsea and Strasbourg — is reportedly lined up to replace Maresca, with negotiations expected to conclude imminently.
FootballTransfers reports that Chelsea are “lining up” Rosenior to succeed Maresca, and that the club see him as a promising appointment given his work in France. SI Soccer also highlights that Rosenior has been identified as a leading candidate, reinforcing links between the clubs under their current ownership.
Why Rosenior?
Rosenior, 41, has impressed during his stint in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg, leading them into European competition and earning a strong reputation for his tactical approach. His ties to the BlueCo multi-club network are viewed as a major advantage, potentially easing his transition to the demands of managing a major Premier League club.
However, there are mixed signals regarding his appointment. Some reports suggest he is the early favourite, while others note that a move isn’t yet finalized and remains subject to negotiation between Chelsea and Strasbourg.
Context of the Managerial Change
Maresca leaves with a mixed legacy: memorable continental success contrasted with a recent slump that saw the Blues fall away in domestic competition and suffer internal disagreements over strategy and relationships. Chelsea are now fifth in the Premier League and under pressure to rejuvenate their league campaign as they look to stay competitive across all competitions.
If Rosenior’s appointment is confirmed, it would represent a bold choice, bringing in a relatively young coach with limited Premier League experience but strong backing from club ownership — a decision likely to generate significant debate among fans and pundits alike.
