Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Joe Cole praised Rosenior’s early Chelsea spell after a 3-2 Champions League win at Napoli that secured a top-eight league-phase finish and automatic last-16 qualification. Cole pointed to results and a visible shift in mindset since Maresca’s exit, arguing winning in Naples and a strong short-term run validates the appointment despite initial skepticism about experience.
Raheem Sterling
January 2026
Chelsea confirmed Sterling has left the club by mutual agreement and will look for a new club in January after not featuring this season. He fell out of favour, was placed in the “bomb squad” under Maresca, then loaned to Arsenal in 2024-25 with little impact and returned in summer before an exit was agreed; Rosenior avoided detailing his situation publicly.
Jeremy Jacquet Rennes
January 2026
Chelsea reportedly agreed personal terms with 20-year-old centre-back Jacquet and moved into pole position, though Rennes are holding out for a club-record fee. Chelsea accelerated talks after Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca, with Rennes seeking around £56 million while Chelsea’s reported bid is lower; despite the gap, the expectation is a deal before the window closes as Chelsea aim to reinforce central defence.
Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Rosenior says Chelsea are open to January business but will only act if the target is the right fit, with defence a key focus after injuries. Chelsea are assessing internal options while discussing potential incomings and outgoings with the board, with reports linking them to ball-playing centre-backs and also noting interest in adding a midfielder and versatile attacker.
Raheem Sterling
January 2026
Rosenior says he will speak to Sterling and Disasi after their exclusion from first-team training this season under Maresca. Both are training separately from the main squad; Sterling has not played this season and Disasi has not played in the league since January 20, 2025. Napoli are linked with Sterling; Roma and Lyon have asked about Disasi. Chelsea cannot approve another overseas loan unless they cancel an existing foreign loan because they already have six players out abroad.
Enzo Maresca
January 2026
Chelsea issued Maresca a formal letter reminding him of responsibilities and put the head of physical performance on the bench to advise on injury-return management and substitutions. The club grew alarmed at how returning players were being used and at setbacks after their returns; concerns escalated after Maresca’s “worst 48 hours” remarks and reports of talks with Manchester City, before Chelsea moved on and appointed Liam Rosenior.
Enzo Maresca
January 2026
Interim coach Calum McFarlane said Chelsea’s dressing room was shocked by Enzo Maresca’s New Year’s Day dismissal, but senior players pulled the group together. Chelsea drew 1-1 at Manchester City after a late equaliser. McFarlane credited Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and Tosin Adarabioyo for leadership through the transition. City led through Tijjani Reijnders before Enzo Fernandez scored in stoppage time, with the squad framing the result as a response to disruption.
Enzo Maresca
January 2026
Alan Shearer says Enzo Maresca will not struggle to land another high-level job despite leaving Chelsea after one win in seven. Shearer argues Maresca’s Chelsea spell should still be viewed as successful because of trophies and Champions League qualification. The view is that Maresca’s reputation remains strong from work at Chelsea and Leicester, even after the exit was linked to breakdowns with ownership and reports of outside discussions about future roles.
Enzo Maresca
January 2026
A report claims Enzo Maresca left Stamford Bridge without addressing Chelsea’s players after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, with public explanations about illness described as a cover. The episode is framed as a turning point before his exit. The report says players sensed tension without knowing details, while the club doubted Maresca’s focus amid poor form and talk of outside interest. Chelsea were also linked with other coaching options as internal patience ran out.
Calum McFarlane
January 2026
Chelsea Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge after Enzo Maresca’s exit and will lead the team away to Manchester City. He said the first days in charge have been intense but positive, with strong energy in training. McFarlane described a supportive club environment and credited leadership within the squad, highlighting Reece James’ role in rallying the group ahead of Sunday’s trip. Chelsea continue their search for a permanent manager while he handles immediate fixtures.
