Enzo Maresca Might Already Have New Premier League Management Job Lined Up After Chelsea Exit

Enzo Maresca, the Italian manager who achieved notable success at Chelsea, appears poised for a swift return to Premier League management following his imminent departure from Stamford Bridge. Ugly behind-the-scenes tensions have escalated to an unsustainable level, prompting Maresca to grow tired of the club's current structure and prepare to leave, marking him as the fifth permanent boss under the BlueCo ownership since 2022.[2]

Maresca's Chelsea tenure, beginning after his triumphant 2023-24 EFL Championship win with Leicester City, delivered silverware including the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League title and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He guided the Blues to a fourth-place Premier League finish, securing Champions League qualification for the first time since 2021-22, alongside individual honors like Premier League Manager of the Month for September 2024 and November 2025.[1]

Despite these accomplishments—building on his Manchester City U23 Premier League 2 triumph in 2020-21—the internal strife has overshadowed his achievements. Sources indicate Maresca is already eyeing fresh opportunities within the top flight, leveraging his proven track record of promotion, trophies, and high-level coaching under Pep Guardiola.[1]

While specifics on his next destination remain under wraps, the football world anticipates a quick move. Chelsea, meanwhile, faces a managerial merry-go-round, with potential replacements like Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola—whose stock has dipped after an initial hot streak transforming the Cherries into top-half contenders—and free agent Xavi, praised for nurturing talents like Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. Iraola's Premier League winning pedigree and Xavi's youth development expertise align with Chelsea's needs, though both carry question marks.[2]

Maresca's exit underscores the high-pressure environment at Chelsea post-Tuchel, Potter, and Pochettino. Fans brace for another turbulent chapter as the club hunts for stability amid ongoing upheaval.[2]

(Word count: 298)