Chelsea Identifies Premier League Manager to Replace Enzo Maresca if He Is Sacked
- Chelsea have reportedly identified their next manager in case current boss Enzo Marasca is shown the door
- Maresca enjoyed a successful first season, winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup
- However, the club's activity in the transfer market last summer is creating internal issues for the manager
Chelsea will look towards another Premier League manager in case Enzo Maresca is sacked, even though the club has no plans to let their manager go.
Maresca left Leicester City to join the Blues in May and enjoyed a very successful first season, delivering the first trophies under the Boehly-Clearlake ownership.
Source: Getty Images
He led Chelsea to win the UEFA Europa Conference League, beating Real Betis in the final, and the FIFA Club World Cup, beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
The Italian has endeared himself to the Chelsea hierarchy and fans, particularly with how he tactically outclassed UCL-winning manager Luis Enrique on the day.
However, the relationship on both sides has been strained: fans have criticised his tactical setup recently and apparent misprofiling of players, while directors have reportedly lamented a lack of transfer activity in key areas.
Cobham graduate Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury ahead of the start of the season, and despite his public calls, the club has signed no replacement.
The centre-back's absence has shown in the team as the Blues have struggled defensively and in the build-up, an area in which the youngster excelled for the team last season.
Chelsea reportedly identifies Maresca's possible replacement
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea will go after AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola if they decide to part ways with Maresca.
Iraola reportedly has admirers at Stamford Bridge for his style of play and how he gets results despite limited resources at the South Coast club.
The Spanish manager is also on the radar of Manchester United in case they part ways with Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim amid poor results.
However, no decision has been made, as Maresca could still win the bosses over and steady the ship if results improve in the coming weeks.
Source: Getty Images
Mikel Obi slams Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
Meanwhile, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has hit out at Maresca for failing to play Alejandro Garnacho during the 2-1 loss to his former side, Manchester United.
The Italian manager made bizarre substitutions: in the first half, he subbed Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, and Cole Palmer in the first 20 minutes, and in the second half, he subbed on Tyrique George over Garnacho.
Mikel, speaking on his Obi One Podcast, claimed that Maresca had failed to capitalise on Garnacho’s arrogance and hunger against his former side.
The Argentine had a point to prove after his fallout with United boss Amorim led to his departure from Old Trafford, despite his talent.
Why Sanchez won't miss Premier League match
Legit.ng also recently explained why Roberto Sanchez would not miss a Premier League match despite receiving his marching orders against Man United.
Maresca admitted after the match that the goalkeeper getting sent off in the fourth minute upset his plans and had ultimately cost Chelsea the match.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
