What a turbulent week it has been for Chelsea Football Club. Their poor form in December resulted in the sacking, perhaps surprisingly, of manager Enzo Maresca.
The Blues only won twice in the final month of 2025, and one of those wins came against League One Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup.
Maresca's record at Chelsea (timeless)
The club, as is the done thing when a manager is sacked, released a statement on the official website.
It made for an interesting read, with one line explaining the club “believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”
Enzo-Maresca
There are already links regarding the new manager at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea turning to Premier League manager
There is one option Chelsea have when it comes to their new manager, who might be seen as an easy pick. Liam Rosenior, head coach of RC Strasbourg, is certainly attainable given the French side are sister clubs with Chelsea under the BlueCo ownership.
However, the West London club might look within the Premier League for their new boss.
According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Blues have ‘sounded out’ Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, who is said to be ‘firmly on Chelsea‘s radar’ as they hunt for a new boss.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
At this stage, it is not clear whether this deal would get over the line or not.
The report confirms that ‘it remains to be seen if he would leave Newcastle mid-season’ to switch to the Bridge, when they are so trigger-happy with sacking their manager.
Why Howe would be a good appointment for Chelsea
There is no doubt that Howe has built up a great reputation within top-flight football across England. Even though this season has been tough for Newcastle, he has guided them to top finishes and silverware.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
It is not for nothing that Pep Guardiola once called Howe a “top-class” manager.
He has now taken charge of an impressive 201 matches at St James’ Park, which in itself is a huge milestone. In that time, he’s won 104 games with a win rate of 51.74%.
Howe record at Newcastle
Stat
Matches
Wins
Win rate
Draws
Losses
Goals for/against
PL average points per game
Stats from Transfermarkt
The best season under his tutelage for the Magpies came last term. Not only did they finish in a Champions League qualification spot, but they lifted the Carabao Cup to end the club’s trophy drought of almost six decades.
It was an achievement of monumentous proportions for the Englishman.
Indeed, Howe will be going up against countryman Rosenior for the Chelsea post, it seems. The ex-Hull City boss has also performed well in his role with Strasbourg, helping them reach the Conference League last term.
In total, he’s tasted victory 32 times in 62 games as the manager of the Ligue 1 outfit.
RC Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior
With that being said, there is certainly a case to be made that Howe has the edge over Rosenior when it comes to who should be appointed as Chelsea manager.
During his time in France, the London-born manager has shown he is a good motivator and tactician, but he is arguably lacking in comparison to the Magpies boss.
There are two main factors that might make Howe more appealing. One of those is the fact that he’s won silverware as recently as last season.
The former Bournemouth manager will be expected to challenge for trophies at Stamford Bridge, and the fact that he has experience doing so may stand him in better stead.
Of course, English top-flight experience is the other factor. Rosenior has managed in France’s premier division and the Championship over in England, but Howe is something of a seasoned veteran when it comes to managing in the Premier League.
Eddie-Howe-Clap
With that in mind, it is easy to see why Chelsea might lean towards appointing Howe. Although it would be a less easy deal to do than that of Rosenior, his experience in the Premier League and of winning trophies might be more appealing.
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This manager could be Chelsea's perfect Maresca replacement