Rodri back and able to play ‘a few minutes’ – Pep Guardiola
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Now that the Italian manager’s 18-month tenure has come to an end, all eyes will be on who the Blues’ leadership will bring in to replace Maresca.
The job continues to be linked to some of the biggest names in football, but this time up-and-coming managerial stars are also in contention.
With the above in mind, let’s take a look at who will be sitting in the dugout next.
Xavi
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Xavi Hernández speaks at a press conference before the LaLiga match against Sevilla FC on May 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The legendary former Barcelona captain is one of the leading candidates to replace Maresca.
This would be one of the most high-profile appointments the Blues could make, but his complete lack of Premier League experience is an obvious pitfall.
But the obvious factor in favor of the Spaniard’s appointment is that he won’t have to pay compensation.
The 45-year-old has been out of work since leaving his beloved Barça in May 2024, and the manner in which he leaves will leave Xavi with a point to prove.
Although he initially reversed his decision to leave the club at the end of the season and was subsequently sacked, there is no doubt that he will become a champion and return to manage at the highest level.
Xavi won the La Liga title during his time as Camp Nou manager, so the lure of the Premier League may be hard to resist.
liam rosenia
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After placing his identity in Strasbourg, much attention is focused on Rosenior – Ward
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The former Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion defender is widely regarded as one of the best young coaches in Europe.
Rosenior briefly took over as caretaker manager following the departure of Wayne Rooney, before making a seamless transition into leadership and building a reputation at Derby County.
After an impressive first permanent move with former club Hull City, Rosenior moved to Strasbourg and led the club to European qualification last season.
Being under the same BlueCo umbrella is an obvious selling point, and Rosenior’s progress this season has reportedly impressed the Chelsea hierarchy.
The Alsatian team remains in a strong position to qualify for Europe this season, finishing first in the conference league with five wins out of six league games.
There are certainly big names competing for the job, but bringing in someone with Rosenior’s burgeoning character might be a smart move. According to reports in England, Rosenior is listed as the frontrunner.
Francesco Farioli
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FC Porto coach Francesco Faglioli reacts during the Liga Portugal 2025/26 match between FC Porto and AVS at Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal on December 29, 2025 (Photo by Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The 36-year-old had only arrived at the club in July 2025, replacing Martin Anselmi.
He led the Dragons to the top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga, winning 15 of the first 16 games of the season and drawing one.
This followed spells at Ajax and Nice, with the latter finishing fifth in Ligue 1 and qualifying for the Europa League.
But bringing the Italian to Stamford Bridge would be very expensive. The takeover clause has been set at an eye-watering £13m.
Cesc Fabregas
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ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas applauds after the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
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The former Chelsea midfielder has made a great start as manager at Serie A side Como.
His tactical talent has been praised and the team made an excellent start to the Serie A season, finishing in 6th place.
This comes after the Lombardy team finished 10th in the 2024/25 season, their best result since they finished 9th in 1985/86.
Fabregas’ appointment will certainly attract attention, but he is viewed in a similar way to Rosenior.
Given that the 38-year-old has more than two years left on his managerial contract with Como, he may need to be paid more.
Andoni Iraola
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo credit: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
One of the Premier League’s most talented young managers has made a name for himself at Bournemouth.
After taking over at the Vitality Stadium, Iraola led the club to consecutive Premier League goalscoring records.
Iraola’s current contract with Dorset expires at the end of this season, so any compensation is likely to be minimal.
There is also a bit of pleasant irony in Iraola’s appointment, given that the Spaniard was in the opposing team’s dugout in Maresca’s last game as manager.
Will he be tempted to move to the capital? Time will tell.
