Chelsea could be forced to look for a new manager next summer after it was revealed that current boss Enzo Maresca could take over at Manchester City if Pep Guardiola leaves. City are said to be planning for the possibility of their head coach stepping down at the end of the campaign.
Maresca became Chelsea boss at the start of last season after leading Leicester to the Championship title weeks earlier. Under the Italian’s guidance, the Blues have won the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup. But the 45-year-old raised alarm bells last week after suggesting he isn’t receiving the backing he would like at Stamford Bridge. And Express Sport looks at four managerial candidates who could succeed Maresca if he does leave the club.
Xavi
Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in June 2024. He has been linked with a number of jobs during his time away from the game and could offer a big-name solution if Chelsea need a new boss next year.
Xavi guided Barcelona to one La Liga title during his spell at the Nou Camp, which lasted almost three seasons, and has plenty of experience managing in the Champions League. But there are still question marks over whether the former midfielder can establish himself as an elite manager in the years to come.
Oliver Glasner
Chelsea may want to appoint a boss who has already proved their credentials in the Premier League.
Step forward Oliver Glasner, who has transformed Crystal Palace into one of the best teams in England in recent months. The Austrian guided Palace to FA Cup glory last season, with the Eagles climbing to fifth in the Premier League table this season.
Glasner is out of contract at Selhurst Park and the end of this season and is reportedly set to head through the exit door next summer in prospect of managing one of the Premier League’s big-hitters.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola could fit the mould if the Blues want a ready-made Premier League manager. The Spaniard has excelled during his time with Bournemouth and is regarded as one of the best young coaches in Europe.
Chelsea would play exciting but practical football with Iraola at the helm. And he could be the man to take the Blues back to the Premier League summit.
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior is another young manager with a growing reputation, with the 41-year-old Englishman currently managing in France.
Rosenior took charge of Strasbourg in July 2024 after losing his job as Hull boss. And the former Bristol City player led his side to a seventh-place league finish last season, with the club storming to the top of the UEFA Conference League table this term.