Football legend Alan Shearer has cast doubt on whether managerial candidate Liam Rosenior is prepared for the immense scale of the Chelsea job, as the search for Enzo Maresca's successor intensifies.
Maresca's Sudden Exit and the Search for a Successor
Chelsea began 2026 with the shock announcement that head coach Enzo Maresca had left the club on New Year's Day. The Italian departed after just 18 months in charge at Stamford Bridge, despite having guided the team to victory in both the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup.
Maresca reportedly cited a perceived lack of support from the club's hierarchy following a win over Everton in December. A subsequent dip in form over a difficult winter period led the 45-year-old to believe the relationship was beyond saving.
Under-21 manager Calum McFarlane has taken temporary charge for this weekend's crucial Premier League fixture away to Manchester City, with Chelsea currently positioned fifth in the table.
Rosenior Emerges as Overwhelming Favourite
The current head coach of Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, has quickly become the leading contender to take the permanent role. The 41-year-old Englishman, who manages the BlueCo-owned French side, has seen his name thrust to the forefront of discussions, with talks said to have 'intensified' in recent hours.
Rosenior has built an impressive reputation at Strasbourg, where his team sits seventh in Ligue 1. He is widely praised for his forward-thinking tactical approach and his skilled management of players, particularly young, emerging talent.
Shearer's Cautious Verdict on a 'Huge' Step Up
However, Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time record goalscorer, has voiced significant reservations. He pointed to Rosenior's lack of experience at the very elite level and drew parallels with Graham Potter's ill-fated spell in West London.
"The big question will be: is he ready for a job the size of Chelsea?" Shearer stated in an interview with Betfair. "Does he know exactly what he’s taking on? We’ve seen a guy go there recently with potential in Graham Potter, and we know what happened to him."
Shearer acknowledged Chelsea's likely strategy, suggesting the club's structure may preclude a move for a more established 'huge' manager. "I can understand the need for a young, up-and-coming coach... I guess that’s why they’ll go down the potential route," he added.
Despite his concerns, Shearer expressed hope that Rosenior could succeed, highlighting the scarcity of English coaches at the top. "It would be great for a young English manager to get the job," he said. "He chose to go abroad and learn something different, which shows hunger... Chelsea is a huge club in the mix for trophies. It’ll be very difficult to turn down."
Shearer also set a clear target for the new boss, whoever it may be: "Whoever comes in, top four is the target for Chelsea... They have to qualify for the Champions League. Pretty simple."
Rosenior's Non-Committal Stance on Future
Facing the media ahead of Strasbourg's match, Rosenior skillfully sidestepped questions regarding the Chelsea links. "I’m going to talk about Nice because that’s my job," he responded. "There’s a lot of noise, a lot of speculation, but as a coach, if you get involved in that, you fail. My job is here, I love this club."
When pressed on potential contact between the clubs, he noted their shared ownership under BlueCo. "We’re part of the same company… so, I’ve had contact with the guys from the beginning. What I can say is they’ve been so supportive of me in this job," Rosenior explained, while reaffirming his focus on his current role.
A Positive Legacy for Departing Maresca
Shearer was keen to praise the outgoing Maresca for his work at Chelsea, believing the Italian leaves with his reputation enhanced. "His time at Chelsea should be viewed as a successful spell," Shearer asserted. "They beat the best team around last year in PSG; he out-coached the Coach of the Year... He’s in and around the top four, so for me, he’s done a really good job."
Shearer concluded that Maresca "won’t struggle for a job in England or abroad" following his achievements, which included the unexpected Club World Cup triumph.
The coming days are expected to bring clarity to Chelsea's managerial situation, with the club's hierarchy facing a critical decision that will define their season and beyond.
