Chelsea Face Manager Uncertainty as Enzo Maresca Linked With Manchester City Move

Chelsea may be forced into an uncomfortable conversation next summer, with reports suggesting Enzo Maresca could emerge as a leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City if the Spaniard steps away at the end of the season.

City are understood to be planning for life after Guardiola, and Maresca’s name is firmly on their radar. That alone will make Chelsea fans uneasy, especially given how quickly the Italian has established himself since arriving from Leicester City at the start of last season.

Maresca guided Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup, silverware that helped stabilise a club still finding its feet under the BlueCo ownership. However, alarm bells rang last week when the 45-year-old hinted publicly that he may not be receiving the level of backing he wants at Stamford Bridge. If City come calling, Chelsea could find themselves scrambling for a successor far sooner than planned.

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If that scenario does unfold, Chelsea would have several high-profile options to consider.

Xavi remains one of the most eye-catching names on the market. The former Barcelona midfielder has been out of work since leaving the Nou Camp in June 2024 and has already been linked with a number of elite roles. During nearly three seasons in charge of Barcelona, Xavi delivered a La Liga title and gained significant Champions League experience.

For Chelsea, he would represent a glamorous appointment, but there are still doubts over whether Xavi can consistently operate at the very top level as a manager. His tactical approach and handling of pressure would come under immediate scrutiny in west London.

Another option could be Oliver Glasner, a manager who has already proven himself in the Premier League. The Austrian has transformed Crystal Palace into one of the most impressive sides in England, leading them to FA Cup glory last season and pushing them up to fifth in the league this campaign.

With Glasner out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, he is widely expected to move on. His experience, authority, and ability to maximise squad potential could appeal strongly to Chelsea’s hierarchy.

Andoni Iraola is another name that would excite large sections of the fanbase. The Bournemouth boss has earned widespread praise for his work on the south coast and is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches. His teams play aggressive, modern football that balances intensity with structure, something Chelsea supporters have long craved.

If the club want a ready-made Premier League coach who can implement an attractive style without a lengthy adjustment period, Iraola would tick plenty of boxes.

Liam Rosenior is a more left-field option, but one worth monitoring. Now managing Strasbourg, the 41-year-old has quietly built an impressive reputation since moving to France. After taking over in July 2024, he guided the club to a seventh-place league finish last season and has them flying in the UEFA Conference League this term.

Given Chelsea’s ownership links with Strasbourg, Rosenior’s progress will not have gone unnoticed.

For now, Chelsea’s focus remains on backing Maresca and continuing the rebuild. But if Manchester City do make a move, the club may soon be facing one of the biggest decisions of the BlueCo era.

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