Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has made a stunning suggestion for the club's next managerial move, urging the Blues hierarchy to test the waters with legendary ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Maresca's Sudden Departure Rocks Stamford Bridge
Chelsea began 2026 with a seismic shock as it was officially confirmed that manager Enzo Maresca had ended his 18-month reign at Stamford Bridge. The Italian's departure followed a dramatic winter slump where the team managed just two wins in nine matches across all competitions, leaving them fifth in the Premier League.
Maresca had hinted at internal issues last month, referencing a lack of 'support' during what he called his 'worst 48 hours' in the job. Despite leading Chelsea to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup success, he becomes the latest exit in a turbulent period under owner Todd Boehly, with the club now seeking its fifth permanent manager since the 2022 takeover.
Cole's Candid Assessment and Klopp Plea
Reacting to the news, ex-England winger Cole expressed little surprise, citing a wider problem in football where managers are not given a 'fair crack of the whip'. He suggested Maresca was not afforded enough time, a sentiment he felt was echoed in the club's official statement.
Cole then delivered his blockbuster recommendation. 'I know it's a mental one but Jurgen Klopp,' he told Paddy Power when asked who he would like to see in charge in an ideal world. 'I know he probably won't even consider it because it's Chelsea and he's Liverpool, but you just never know.'
He argued that if a club's primary aim is winning trophies and it has the financial resources, it should always attempt to speak to the elite candidates. 'If you don't have that mindset then you're always banking on developing the next best manager,' Cole added.
The Rosenior Link and Klopp's Stance
In the immediate aftermath, Liam Rosenior, the head coach of Chelsea-affiliated Strasbourg, has emerged as the clear frontrunner. Cole, who knows Rosenior from their time at West Ham, believes the young coach 'fits the bill' for Chelsea's recent strategy of hiring promising managers.
However, a move for Klopp appears highly improbable. The charismatic German, who left Liverpool in 2025 after a glittering nine-year spell, now works as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH. He has repeatedly stated he would never coach another English club besides Liverpool.
'I said I will never coach a different team in England. So that means if [I return] it's Liverpool,' Klopp confirmed in October 2025, adding that while a return to management is 'theoretically possible', he does not currently miss the day-to-day pressures of the job.
Chelsea's search now continues at pace, with the club facing a critical decision that will define the next phase of their project under the current ownership.
