Strasbourg’s current manager, Liam Rosenior, is being watched as a potential successor to Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca. The Italian manager’s tenure at Stamford Bridge ended following a string of disappointing Premier League results and reports of disagreements with the club’s senior management.
Maresca’s comments after the 3-1 defeat to Leeds United suggested turmoil within the club and revealed that the two days leading up to the next game against Everton had been particularly difficult. “The players’ willingness to learn was great and that’s why I praise them, because they did very well after a complicated week with so many problems,” Maresca said last month, talking about Maro Gusto’s assist.
“The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club because not many people have supported us.” Asked for an explanation, Maresca elaborated, “It has been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people have not supported me and the team.”
When asked if he was referring to individuals within the club, he replied: “In general. In general,” but later clarified that his comments were not directed at the fans or the media, saying: “I love the fans and we are very happy with them.”
However, Maresca, who has won just one of his last seven games, was noticeably absent from the post-match press conference following the draw with Bournemouth, with Willy Caballero assuming media responsibilities.
The former goalkeeper revealed: “Enzo (Maresca) is not feeling well. He hasn’t been feeling well for the last two days, but he still took part in training and played in today’s match. I took his place to make it clear that he is not well and is not good enough for the manager to do the rest of the job. That’s why I am here in his place.”
After 18 months in charge, Maresca left the club. During his tenure, Chelsea won the Europa Conference League trophy and the Club World Cup last summer, and Chelsea have played in all four competitions this season.
Rosenior, who is currently in charge of Strasbourg, a club affiliated with Chelsea, is attracting attention as one of the possible successors at Stamford Bridge (11/2 Sky Bet). His impressive leadership at the French club has attracted attention as he led the team to a seventh place finish in his first season in charge.
Strasbourg also owns Todd Boley and Clearlake Capital’s BlueCo Group. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola (9/1 Sky Bet) is also a name linked with the role of Chelsea manager and is one of the early favorites to win, according to Oddschecker.
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas (9/1 Sky Bet) has also been named in this slot after a commendable performance in Serie A side Como. Former Barcelona manager Xavi is the frontrunner to become the manager (4/1 SkyBet).
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner (11/2 Sky Bet) is also rumored to be in contention for the Chelsea post following his success at Selhurst Park, including winning the FA Cup last season.
Whatever manager takes over will face the difficult task of steadying the ship after the Blues’ nightmarish fall from title contenders to fifth place, 15 points off the table.
