The Premier League manager Chelsea should hire if Enzo Maresca is sacked

Just a few weeks ago, many believed Enzo Maresca would be the manager to guide Chelsea to their first Premier League title in a decade.

But just one extraordinary press conference has cast the Italian’s future at Stamford Bridge into uncertainty.

Following a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, Maresca unleashed a remarkable rant, claiming: ‘The last 48 hours has been the worst since I joined the club because many people didn’t support me and the team.’

Maresca has refused to clarify who exactly he feels is being unsupportive, though added he was not referring to the fans, with speculation rife that his comments where aimed at Chelsea’s board and ownership.

Ahead of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, the 45-year-old had no intention of addressing his previous remarks but stated that he was ‘absolutely committed’ to the Blues.

Yet, his frustration was plain to see and while Maresca has a lot of credit in the bank after winning last summer’s Club World Cup, Chelsea are not a club where managers enjoy long tenures.

So, should he get the sack, who would be in the running to replace him?

Liam Rosenior will be the top candidate. He’s done very well at Strasbourg – also owned by Todd Boehly’s BlueCo – working with a number of Chelsea loanees.

The 41-year-old, formerly of Hull, has never managed in the Premier League, though that didn’t stop Boehly hiring Maresca.

Oliver Glasner’s name will be mentioned no doubt. On a shoestring budget, he’s won Crystal Palace the FA Cup and got them up to fifth in the table – just two points behind Chelsea.

Out of contract at the end of the season but his counter-attacking tactics may not suit the Blues and he has no qualms about calling out boards over lack of support.

And could it be third time lucky for Frank Lampard? The club legend has rebuilt his managerial career at Coventry City, but he’d be mad to leave the Championship leaders.

But truth be told, there is only one outstanding candidate and Andoni Iraola could well have his pick of the European giants at the end of the season when his contract at AFC Bournemouth expires.

Few had heard of the Spaniard before his arrival at the Vitality in 2023 but everyone knows him now having transformed the Cherries into one of the most exciting sides in England’s top flight.

Iraola ticks many boxes for the Blues. Ability to work with a young squad and develop them into world-beaters? See Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez and Dominic Solanke among others.

Ability to play attractive, attacking football? His style is based off the legendary Marcelo Bielsa, who he played under at Athletic Bilbao. Last season, his team found the back of the net 58 times, only six fewer than Maresca’s men.

Andoni Iraola’s tactical overview

Metro sports reporter and Bournemouth fan Liam Grace:

Iraola is, of course, a massive part of Bournemouth’s success. His in-game management, and how he sets up his team for each opponent, has been remarkable.

He used Dango Ouattara – who normally plays as a winger or wing-back – as a striker against Forest last season. He ending up scoring a hat-trick. Lewis Cook, a central midfield player, operated as a right-back in the stunning 4-1 away win at Newcastle and shined.

Iraola’s style of football was hugely influenced by former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, who he played under at Athletic Bilbao in Spain, but he’s put his own spin on things and his philosophy is largely unique.

Bournemouth thrive in chaotic game states – which is opposite to the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta – who are more about minimising risk. Iraola’s teams look to apply both zonal marking and man-to-man pressing and try to win the ball back as high up the pitch as they possibly can.

Bournemouth are committed to destabilising teams and neutralising their build-up. They are an incredibly fit side, covering more distance per game than most opponents, which has seen them score a number of late goals.

Ability to deal with high squad turnover? The 41-year-old had to rebuild his entire defence last summer after Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi were sold and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan ended.

They have conceded more goals compared to this time last season but are three points better off. In 2024/25, Bournemouth finished ninth and weren’t a million miles off European qualification.

It should be said, the south coast side have tailed off since their bright start to this season – winless in their last six, including four defeats and a goalless draw with Chelsea.

They travel to Old Trafford on Monday night 15th in the table. A win moves them into the top-half and just five points off Maresca’s men.

Iraola’s burgeoning reputation saw him closely linked with the Tottenham job before Thomas Frank was hired and he remains one of the favourites for Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid should they decide a change in the dugout is necessary.

If the journey with Maresca is at an end, Boehly would do well to hire the Cherries coach while he sill can.

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