The 5 candidates of Chelsea to replace Maresca: 3 are Spanish

The Blue team is looking for a coach who can lead them to win the UEFA Champions League.

Javier Parra Peña | 1 Jan 2026 | 23.30
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The 5 candidates at Chelsea to replace Enzo Maresca
The 5 candidates at Chelsea to replace Enzo Maresca

Instability once again shakes the foundations of West London as Enzo Maresca has decided to end his tenure prematurely. Chelsea is immersed in an unexpected institutional crisis due to internal frictions that have shattered trust between the coaching staff and the board.

This situation forces the owners to seek their fifth permanent strategist in just four years of management, a figure that reflects the urgency of the project. The Blues are currently considering 5 candidates for the position: Liam Rosenior,  Andoni Iraola, Cesc Fàbregas, Xavi Hernández, and Oliver Glasner.

Liam Rosenior and Oliver Glasner: tactical options with European experience

Within the club's planning, Liam Rosenior emerges as the consensual candidate due to his successful current connection with Strasbourg. Chelsea greatly values Liam Rosenior's growth in France, considering him the perfect contingency plan due to his deep knowledge of the BlueCo internal structure. Bringing Liam Rosenior from the affiliated club would facilitate a smooth transition, capitalizing on the playing philosophy already implemented across the multiclub network.

On the other hand, the board does not hide its fascination with the impact that Oliver Glasner has had in the Premier League with a bold style. Oliver Glasner's contract is soon ending, giving Chelsea an advantage to negotiate his immediate incorporation or for the summer. Oliver Glasner would bring tactical discipline and the necessary character to manage a young squad that has shown inconsistency at the beginning of this season.

Cesc Fàbregas, Andoni Iraola, and Xavi Hernández: Spanish candidates

Nostalgia and projection come together in the candidacy of Cesc Fàbregas, who is dazzling in Italy due to his offensive proposal and natural leadership. Although Cesc Fàbregas has limited coaching experience, his glorious past at Stamford Bridge makes him the undisputed favorite of the fans.

For Chelsea's owners, Cesc Fàbregas's youth is not a hindrance, based on the current trend of opting for coaches with a winning DNA. A more pragmatic approach introduces Andoni Iraola, whose work at Bournemouth has shown his ability to enhance limited squads into competitive teams. Despite a recent setback, Andoni Iraola maintains his prestige intact thanks to his capacity to win complex matches under intense pressure on the opponent. Chelsea sees in Andoni Iraola a strategist capable of maximizing the performance of their fastest players through quick and vertical transitions.

Los 5 candidatos para suplir a Maresca en el Chelsea

Xavi Hernández as an option of international prestige

Closing the list is Xavi Hernández, who is available after leaving Catalonia and offers a profile of managing top talents. Chelsea values Xavi Hernández's bravery to bet on youth academy, recalling that under his command, figures like Lamine Yamal reached worldwide stardom.

Hiring Xavi Hernández would signify a display of authority, bringing together a league champion with a club that aspires to return to the European elite. Xavi Hernández would arrive with the ambition to prove that his methodology is transferable to the Premier League, seeking an environment with greater investment than his previous home.

Chelsea faces a crucial decision to avoid jeopardizing another year of competition, seeking a profile that can support the current divisive operational structure. Whichever of these five names is chosen, the challenge will be to transform individual talent into a solid unit that brings joy back to London.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 5 candidatos del Chelsea para suplir a Maresca: 3 son españoles

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