Chelsea weighing option to hire Rosenior upgrade who’s “so similar” to Maresca
The beginning of the new year has been quite eventful for Chelsea. Following a dismal December performance, the club’s ownership opted to dismiss manager Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. This was indeed a rapid choice, and despite the swirling rumors, it appeared there was a possibility he could remain at the club.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, as the Italian was relieved of his duties after securing two trophies in 2025, including the Club World Cup. With under-21s manager Calum McFarlane slated to step in for the West Londoners against Manchester City this upcoming weekend, the hunt for a new manager is now underway.
Speculation is already beginning to ramp up regarding potential candidates for the position.
Chelsea’s candidates to succeed Maresca
There appears to be one name prominently featured in discussions about Maresca’s successor at Stamford Bridge. That individual is Liam Rosenior, who currently manages Chelsea’s affiliate club RC Strasbourg.
If a move for Rosenior falls through, the club’s ownership, BlueCo, may look beyond that in their manager search. Reportedly, Porto’s coach, Francesco Farioli, is one of the names under consideration, according to BBC Sport. The Italian, who is a mere 36 years old, has been “mentioned as a possible candidate” per BBC reporters Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella.
With 18 months remaining on his contract, Chelsea likely would need to offer compensation to secure his services in West London.
Why Farioli would present an enhancement over Rosenior
Even though Farioli has only been with Porto since July 2025, he has already made a remarkable beginning in Portugal. This follows his establishment of a solid reputation in Ligue 1 with OGC Nice, where he served as manager for one season in 2023/24, prior to his tenure with Ajax for 2024/25.
Clearly, Farioli’s commencement at the Portuguese club has been notable. Across 26 matches in all competitions, employing primarily a 4-3-3 formation, he has guided his team to 22 victories. The squad has proven dominant, netting 56 goals while conceding just 13.
Farioli’s record at Porto (all competitions)
Stat
Number
Preferred formation
4-3-3
Matches
26
Wins
22
Draws
2
Losses
2
Goals scored
56
Goals conceded
13
Points per game (league only)
2.88
Stats from Transfermarkt
You can certainly find parallels between Farioli’s period at Ajax and Maresca’s time at Chelsea. Eif Soccer’s Marc Geschwind mentioned that the circumstances at both clubs were “so similar,” with each facing “inept management” in their former positions. In fact, Maresca encountered considerable difficulties during his tenure at the Bridge. There were reports of a “lack of support and interference leading to significant issues with ownership,” challenges that Farioli may also need to navigate. His experience at Ajax, which culminated in a narrow title chase in the Eredivisie, might indeed benefit him in this regard.
Meanwhile, Rosenior has made a positive impact at Strasbourg in the 18 months he has been at the helm. Last season, he led Le Racing to seventh place in Ligue 1, securing them a spot in the Conference League while implementing an attractive brand of football along the way.
His overall performance for the club is undeniably commendable. In his 62 matches in charge, he has achieved 32 wins and has only faced 16 defeats.
However, appointing Farioli could be viewed as the less risky choice. He not only has experience in Ligue 1, offering him a similar background to Rosenior, but the Italian’s accomplishments with Porto indicate he has the ability to dominate in a top-tier league. This, of course, aligns with Chelsea’s ambitions, as the club aspires to become a possession-focused, fluid team that maintains defensive solidity. In a brief time in Portugal, Farioli has demonstrated he can accomplish that.
Rosenior might be perceived as the safer alternative. However, possibly the Porto manager, who is accustomed to operating under a more stringent structure, could bring a style of football that is more adaptable to a top-level club, which Chelsea aims to represent.
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Published: 2026-01-02 20:40:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
