Kaveh Solhekol tips Liam Rosenior as top candidate to replace Maresca at Chelsea

Renowned English football journalist and transfer expert, Kaveh Solhekol, has identified Liam Rosenior as the frontrunner to become Chelsea’s next head coach following the departure of Enzo Maresca from Stamford Bridge.

Solhekol disclosed this while speaking on the managerial situation at Chelsea in a recent interview, noting that the club’s hierarchy has already settled on a preferred candidate to succeed Maresca.

According to him, Rosenior’s impressive work with French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg has caught the attention of key decision-makers at Chelsea.

Quoting Solhekol, CFCDaily reported that Rosenior is currently the most likely candidate to be handed the role.

“He’s not very experienced, but he’s handling Strasbourg well,” Solhekol said. “Some important people at Chelsea have really liked the work he’s done, but moving him to a bigger role would be a risky move.”

Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Maresca followed a run of inconsistent performances that raised serious concerns about the club’s direction, despite having won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup under his leadership.

Speculation over Maresca’s future intensified after Chelsea were held to a 2–2 draw by Bournemouth on December 30, 2025, a match after which the Italian coach did not appear for the post-match press conference—an absence widely interpreted as a sign that his time at the club was nearing its end.

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Attention has now shifted to Rosenior, who is expected to be promoted from Strasbourg, a club within Chelsea’s ownership network.

The 40-year-old coach, who has English heritage, is currently enjoying a solid campaign in France, with Strasbourg sitting seventh in the Ligue 1 table after accumulating 23 points from 16 matches.

Rosenior’s familiarity with English football is seen as a major advantage, having previously managed Hull City in the Championship.

His experience in the English game, combined with his recent progress in Ligue 1, could enable him to adapt quickly to the demands and pressure of managing a top Premier League club.

While Chelsea are yet to make an official announcement, Solhekol’s comments suggest that Rosenior has emerged as the leading option as the Blues look to stabilise their managerial situation and push forward in both domestic and European competitions.