Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca, following a sudden and severe deterioration in his relationship with the club's decision-makers.
Contingency Plans in Motion
The west London club has not wasted any time and has already activated plans to find a successor. The current frontrunner, according to reports, is Liam Rosenior, who is presently in charge at French side Strasbourg. Another strong candidate is former Barcelona boss Xavi, who is available as a free agent after leaving the Catalan giants. His unattached status makes him an appealing prospect for Chelsea, as no transfer compensation would be required.
Who Else is in the Frame?
The list of potential replacements extends beyond the two favourites. The club is also reportedly considering a move for Chelsea legend Cesc Fabregas, though he is currently under contract at Como. Other names linked with the vacancy include Marco Silva of Fulham and Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, but prying them away from their current Premier League roles would involve significant negotiation and compensation fees.
The latest betting odds from bookmakers reflect the fluid situation at Stamford Bridge:
- Xavi: 6/1
- Liam Rosenior: 8/1
- Oliver Glasner: 8/1
- Unai Emery: 10/1
- Marco Silva: 10/1
- Cesc Fabregas: 12/1
- Andoni Iraola: 12/1
- Frank Lampard: 12/1
The swift action from the Chelsea hierarchy indicates their desire for a rapid resolution, with the club aiming to install a new manager to lead their project forward as soon as possible.
