Chelsea have reportedly warned Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner against signing Enzo Maresca’s new contract amid growing uncertainty over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
X’s reliable sources say the Blues’ bosses are keeping a close eye on potential managerial options amid growing concerns over the team’s lack of direction and consistency under the Italian manager.
Chelsea will review Maresca’s position in February, but a decision could be hastened if his results continue to deteriorate.
The Blues’ form has been sluggish in recent weeks, with fans and executives alike questioning the trajectory of the project, with a run of four games without a win in all competitions, including a decisive defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League.
Are Chelsea preparing for life without Enzo Maresca?
Maresca was expected to bring his possession-based, tiki-taka-inspired approach from Leicester City to west London. However, that philosophy has not yet translated into consistent performance.
Dressing room sources say both technical staff and players are struggling to understand his tactical instructions.
Club bosses are particularly concerned about Maresca’s use of key players such as Cole Palmer, believing Maresca’s rigid system could limit the young star’s creative freedom and reduce his influence in the final third.
Amid growing uncertainty, Chelsea’s leaders have had informal contact with Oliver Glasner, who has impressed since taking over at Crystal Palace and led Chelsea into the top half of the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner impressed at Crystal Palace
Glasner led Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield honors this year, an impressive feat considering limited resources.
Glasner, who previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, has been praised for his tactical adaptability and ability to make the most of limited resources, and Chelsea believe they can stabilize their project by opting to move on from Maresca.
The Blues have also added current Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to their shortlist.
Iraola’s high-pressing, fluid attacking style has drawn praise and is seen internally as a perfect fit for Chelsea’s young and energetic squad.
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