Expert: 'Ideal' Enzo Maresca replacement is already 'lined up' at Chelsea

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(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago) Sun 28 December 2025 10:28, UK Chelsea are lining up Liam Rosenior as the long-term successor to Enzo Maresca amid growing uncertainty about his position at Stamford Bridge.That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea are preparing for all eventualities with regard to the boss’ future.This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Maresca could be tempted to quit Chelsea with suggestions he could be offered the Man City job in 2027.Meanwhile, Chelsea lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at home on Saturday, ramping up pressure from fans who have become frustrated with their recent inconsistencies.Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg, already has close ties to the BlueCo hierarchy and has proven himself as one to watch in managerial circles.Credit: ImagoChelsea identify ideal Enzo Maresca replacement in Liam RoseniorFootball Insider revealed in November that Man City are working to identify Pep Guardiola’s successor, and Maresca is high on their list of targets.As a result, Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, has insisted Chelsea are already making their own managerial plans for the future. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES “I think Enzo Maresca has made a mistake with his recent comments,” he told Football Insider.“He’s left a lot open to speculation by refusing to explain some things he’s said, and that only makes the situation worse because the rumours won’t go away.“From a Chelsea point of view, they have to be planning for whatever might happen with him.“Liam Rosenior is going to be a contender for the job, and I think he deserves it.“He’s a young, English coach who has come through, done his badges, fostered a very relationship with Hull, my former club, so I know he was thought of very highly.“It’s a shame the owners at Hull didn’t see it the same way as the staff and fans did, but since then he’s gone out to France and made a real name for himself.Credit: Getty Images“He’s earned a very strong reputation, a bit like Roy Hodgson did years ago when he went off to Sweden to establish himself before coming back to England.“Everybody I speak to about Rosenior rates him very highly, and he’s as qualified as anybody to take on that Chelsea job, he’s earned that right.“He’s got a relationship with the owners because he’s at Strasbourg which is ideal, so it’s definitely something they will be lining up if Maresca does leave for whatever reason.”Maresca hints at early Chelsea exit as uncertainty buildsChelsea beat Everton 2-0 earlier this month, but it was Maresca’s outburst which grabbed headlines, as he claimed it had been “the worst 48 hours” during his time at the club.The comment was seemingly aimed at the club’s ownership, drawing large waves of support from the fans who have seen major progress made under the boss.Brown told Football Insider that Maresca’s comments raised concerns about his Chelsea role, with the club unlikely to have been pleased.Given the increasing speculation surrounding the manager’s future, his recent comments have not helped, with multiple cogs turning behind the scenes.Football Insider revealed on 15 December that Chelsea have no doubts about Maresca’s future despite his comments, but may now be planning for any change.For more Chelsea and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.