What a whirlwind start to 2026 for Chelsea Football Club.
In perhaps a surprising turn of events, Enzo Maresca has been sacked from his role at Stamford Bridge with immediate effect after a string of poor performances.
As is often the case when a manager is sacked, the Blues released a club statement to confirm the news. Although there is still half the season left, the club made it clear that it “believes the changes will give the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”
A new manager has not been chosen yet, but rumors are already flying around.
Chelsea aim to replace Maresca as Premier League manager
One name being thrown around to replace the Italian in west London is Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior. Of course, the two clubs are linked, with the French side also under the same BlueCo ownership as Chelsea.
However, those owners may instead look within the Premier League to find a new manager.
The Mail reports that Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is being “considered” by the club, adding further time to Chelsea’s search for a manager as they are due to bring in an interim manager against Manchester City this weekend.
Iraola is clearly an option for the Blues as they look for a replacement for Maresca. What makes things a little easier is the fact that he will be out of contract on the south coast this summer.
This means that if he moves to Stamford Bridge midway through the season, his compensation could be reduced.
Why Iraora is a good appointment
There is no doubt that Cherries manager Iraola, a childhood friend of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, is one of the most highly regarded managers in the top flight. Journalist James Horncastle went so far as to call him “the best manager in the Premier League”, and that’s a perfect compliment.
Now, whether you agree with that statement or not, there is no denying that the Spaniard impressed at the Vitality Stadium. He won 40 of the 107 games he led the club, with a positive goal difference, and the team scored 166 goals and conceded 160.
Iraola’s key stats at Bournemouth | |
|---|---|
status | number |
game | 105 |
victory | 40 |
draw | 27 |
loss | 38 |
the goal | 166 |
Number of goals against | 160 |
PL points per game | 1.35 |
Transfermarkt statistics | |
All in all, the 43-year-old has managed to punch Cherries somewhat above their weight. There have been some memorable results, including a fantastic 3-0 away win against Manchester United.
It would certainly be a different appointment than if the Blues went to sign Rosenior. The former Hull City manager also impressed in Strasbourg, helping the club advance to the Conference League this term.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion player has certainly had a good run with Le Racing in Ligue 1, winning 51.61% of their matches so far. He also helped lead the team to some iconic wins along the way. In this season’s conference league, they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1.
However, there is one thing that could work in Iraola’s favor and that is the fact that he has Premier League experience. Of course, just as Maresca never did, Rosenior had never made it in England’s top flight.
Perhaps BlueCo, despite its more global success, doesn’t want to risk making the same mistakes that ultimately led to Maresca’s demise. Although it would be easier to appoint the Strasbourg manager, some may view him as riskier.
If Iraola adapts and plays the kind of possession-based game that Maresca was trying to implement, rather than focusing on quick vertical transitions, this could be a masterstroke for the Blues to hire him.
Rosenior might make more sense, but Iraola could be a dream replacement. One thing is for sure: a few days on the bridge will be fascinating.
Chelsea could finally sack Maresca and hire ‘one of the best coaches of all time’
Chelsea were finally able to get rid of Enzo Maresca by appointing this outstanding substitute.
