Chelsea could be forced to search for a new manager next summer after it has been revealed that current manager Enzo Maresca could become Manchester City’s manager if Josep Guardiola leaves. City are said to be planning for their head coach to potentially step down after this season.
Maresca took over as Chelsea manager at the start of last season after leading Leicester to the Championship title a few weeks ago. Under the Italian’s guidance, the Blues won the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup. But the 45-year-old sounded the alarm last week when he suggested he was not getting the support he wanted at Stamford Bridge. And Express Sport are considering four potential managers who could replace Maresca if he leaves the club.
Xavi
Xavi has been unemployed since leaving Barcelona in June 2024. He has plenty of work involved during his time away from the game and could provide a big-name solution if Chelsea need a new manager next year.
Xavi led Barcelona to La Liga title during his almost three seasons at Camp Nou, and also has extensive managerial experience in the Champions League. However, there are still question marks over whether the former midfielder can establish himself as an elite manager in the coming years.
Oliver Glasner
Chelsea may want to appoint a manager who has already proven himself in the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner, who has turned Crystal Palace into one of England’s best teams in recent months, steps forward. The Austrian led Palace to FA Cup glory last season and this season the Eagles have climbed to fifth place in the Premier League.
Glasner’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of this season, and it is reported that he will be open to leaving next summer with the aim of managing the Premier League’s biggest hitters.
Andoni Iraola
If the Blues want an immediate Premier League manager, Andoni Iraola could fit that mold. The Spaniard excelled during his time at Bournemouth and is regarded as one of the best young managers in Europe.
Chelsea will be playing exciting but practical football with Iraola at the helm. And he could be the man to take the Blues back to the top of the Premier League.
liam rosenia
Liam Rosenior is another young manager on the rise, with the 41-year-old Englishman currently managing in France.
Rosenior took charge of Strasbourg in July 2024 after losing his job as Hull manager. And the former Bristol City player led the club to a seventh-place finish in the league last season, before taking them to the top of the UEFA Conference League this term.
