Full-list of managers that could succeed Maresca but Rosenior emerges as front-runner

Liam Rosenior has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager following the Italian’s departure from Stamford Bridge, Sport360NG reports.

Maresca, 45, left his post on Thursday after less than six months in charge, with sources indicating internal tensions with the club’s hierarchy and ownership contributed to his exit. Chelsea have now begun the process of identifying a successor, with Rosenior currently viewed as the standout option, although alternative candidates remain under consideration.

The 41-year-old Englishman is currently in charge of Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo, the investment group that completed the takeover of Chelsea in 2022. Rosenior is understood to be highly regarded within BlueCo, and contingency plans are already being discussed at Strasbourg amid the possibility of his departure.

Liam Rosenior (Strasbourg)

Former Hull City boss Rosenior guided Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, securing European qualification in his first campaign at the club. They went on to impress in continental competition, finishing top of the Conference League’s league phase and establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s leading contenders.

Strasbourg have again been competing in the top half of Ligue 1 this season, though recent form has dipped, with three defeats and a draw in their past four matches. Rosenior’s reputation for player development, tactical clarity and strong man-management has continued to attract interest, with Bayer Leverkusen among the clubs previously linked with him.

However, any move to Chelsea could provoke frustration among Strasbourg supporters, some of whom already view the French side as a feeder club within BlueCo’s multi-club structure.

Francesco Farioli (Porto)

Porto head coach Francesco Farioli has also been discussed internally as a potential Chelsea candidate. Any approach would likely require triggering a reported £13m release clause. The 36-year-old has made an outstanding start in Portugal, leading Porto to the top of the Primeira Liga after 15 wins and one draw from their opening 16 matches.

Roberto de Zerbi (Marseille)

Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi impressed during a two-year spell at Brighton that included European qualification and an FA Cup semi-final. Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali was seen with De Zerbi last year, but the Italian is currently overseeing a strong campaign at Marseille, who sit third in Ligue 1 and are competing in the Champions League.

Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town)

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is another name familiar to Chelsea’s decision-makers, having previously been interviewed for the role. The 39-year-old, who has a background in the academies at Tottenham and Manchester United, maintained a strong reputation despite Ipswich’s challenging Premier League season and has since guided the club into Championship promotion contention.

Frank Lampard (Coventry City)

Club legend Frank Lampard, now 47, has Coventry City top of the Championship. While his previous managerial spells at Chelsea delivered mixed results, a return could appeal to sections of the fanbase.

For the immediate future, Chelsea Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane will take charge of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City and will face the media on Friday. A social media post from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has suggested that Maresca’s backroom staff have also left the club.

Chelsea are expected to maintain their established playing philosophy in appointing Maresca’s successor, which is understood to rule out a move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.