EPL: Meet the manager Chelsea are fronting to replace Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have kicked off another search for a new head coach following the sudden exit of Enzo Maresca and a surprising name is already leading the race.

Liam Rosenior, the 41-year-old manager of French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, has emerged as the top candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca, 45, parted ways with the Blues on Thursday after just one season in charge, amid reports of internal tensions with the club’s hierarchy and ownership. His departure has once again thrown Chelsea’s long-term project into uncertainty.

According to BBC Sport, Rosenior is currently the frontrunner, although Chelsea are still assessing other options before making a final decision.

The Englishman’s chances are boosted by his ties to Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, who also control Strasbourg. That connection is believed to have earned Rosenior strong internal backing within the club.

Rosenior, a former Hull City manager, has impressed in France with Strasbourg and is seen as a coach who fits Chelsea’s data-driven, long-term recruitment strategy.

With talks gathering pace, Strasbourg are already said to be drawing up contingency plans in case Rosenior makes the move to west London.

Porto boss Francesco Farioli has also been mentioned as a possible alternative as Chelsea continue to scan the market.

Before appointing Maresca in 2024, Chelsea had considered several high-profile names, including Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank. Other managers previously linked with the job include Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, though it is unclear if they remain under consideration.