We are less than 24 hours into the new year, yet we already have our first managerial casualty of 2026. Enzo Maresca has made the shock decision to quit Chelsea, leaving the Blues with the difficult task of finding a new manager ahead of a bumper schedule. Here, we take a closer look at the leading contenders for the job.
Can you believe it? The New Year’s Eve fireworks display in London was spectacular, but the real cracker was ignited at Stamford Bridge when Maresca cleared out his office and left. The Italian boss won two international trophies over the summer and was in contention for a top four finish this season, though a strained relationship with the club’s hierarchy appears to have pushed him over the edge.
Next Chelsea Manager Odds
Chelsea, who are still competing on all fronts this season, are now searching for a new head coach as they prepare for a busy start to 2026. We have searched through some of the best online bookies to compile this list of possible replacements.
| Next Chelsea Manager | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Liam Rosenior | 1/2 | Ladbrokes |
| Cesc Fabregas | 9/1 | William Hill |
| Filipe Luis | 10/1 | William Hill |
| Francesco Farioli | 12/1 | BetVictor |
| Andoni Iraola | 14/1 | BetVictor |
| Roberto De Zerbi | 16/1 | William Hill |
| Xavi Hernandez | 20/1 | BetVictor |
| Oliver Glasner | 20/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Sebastian Hoeness | 16/1 | BetVictor |
| Frank Lampard | 25/1 | BetVictor |
*Odds correct at 14:00 on 01/01/2026. Odds subject to change.
Liam Rosenior
No surprise here. Liam Rosenior is the runaway favourite to take over the Chelsea post, priced at around the 1/2 mark by bookmakers.
The lack of Premier League experience is unlikely to deter the Chelsea bosses, who have already seen Rosenior in action with sister club Strasbourg.
Rosenior has done great work with the French side, qualifying for the Europa Conference League last season and enjoying another solid campaign this term.
The 41-year-old is considered by many pundits to be one of England's brightest coaching prospects, and he is on the brink of getting a major opportunity in the Premier League.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is also in the running for the job, with the former Chelsea midfielder currently priced at around the 9/1 mark.
Fabregas, who had a long 12-year career in the Premier League, helped the Blues to two titles during his time as a player. With those achievements under his belt, you’d like to think that the 38-year-old would be a popular choice among Chelsea fans.
As a manager, Fabregas is still a newbie. The Spaniard took over Como in 2023, and he has been with the Italian club ever since. At the time of writing, Fabregas and his men are placed sixth in Serie A.
No Expiry Date
Filipe Luis
Speaking of former players, Filipe Luis has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the post.
Back in 2014, Luis became the new left back at Stamford Bridge, but he only lasted one season before returning to Atletico Madrid.
Similarly to the other two candidates, Luis is new to the managerial game. However, the Brazilian has already enjoyed tremendous success in the dugout, leading Flamengo to several titles despite being in the job since the summer of 2024.
Most notably, Luis led his side to Copa Libertadores glory last November – an achievement which saw him sign a contract extension with the club.
