Chelsea to name new manager as Gary O’Neil ready for shock BlueCo nod

Robin Bairner

• 5 Jan 2026 06:55 GMT
• 6 min read

News

Chelsea’s next manager is ready to be named after Enzo Maresca departed the Stamford Bridge club on New Year's Day.

Maresca left Chelsea after falling out with co-owner Behdad Eghbali, leaving a void that Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior is set to fill.

There has been a delay in the Blues announcing Rosenior’s appointment because the owners, BlueCo, wanted to ensure a succession plan was in place at Strasbourg, the sister club of the Premier League giants.

It now appears that is the case, with former Wolves and Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil in a strong position to take the post.

In turn, this would unlock Rosenior to complete a dream move to Chelsea.

O’Neil set to take Strasbourg job

While O’Neil is thought to be one of two managers on Strasbourg’s shortlist, it appears from the club’s actions that he is the favoured candidate.

Racing sporting director David Weir is in London and will meet with O’Neil in the coming hours, L'Equipe reports.

Out of work since losing his job at Wolves a year ago, the 42-year-old took in Chelsea’s match with Manchester City at the weekend as part of his job as an analyst for the BBC’s ‘Match of the Day’.

Rosenior in place by Wednesday?

While everything points to Chelsea confirming FootballTransfers’ exclusive that Rosenior will be named as their next manager, the Strasbourg boss has steadfastly refused to confirm these rumours.

Speaking after a 1-1 draw against Nice in Ligue 1 at the weekend, his words to the media did not match his body language, which suggested this was farewell.

He said: “I haven’t discussed anything at this point. There’s nothing concrete in these rumours. They’re just rumours. What will be, will be.

“It's a very beautiful city, a great club, with great fans. I have loved everything. The players were incredible. I really want the best for this club. I don't know if this is my last match. In life, you never know.”

Sky Sports reports Chelsea will interview Rosenior on Monday and hope to have their next manager in place by the time they face in-form Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Rosenior won’t push Chelsea on – Carragher

A section of the Chelsea support have already indicated that they are ready to protest against BlueCo’s running of the club in light of Maresca’s departure and the likely arrival of Rosenior.

Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that the Strasbourg boss is not the right man for the job.

He said: “If you look at the timeline of managers: they inherited Thomas Tuchel, a Champions League-winning manager. It now looks like they're going to inherit Liam Rosenior, who has managed Derby, Hull and Strasbourg.

“It's a great opportunity for him, but Chelsea Football Club and their supporters are not used to those appointments. They are used to Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Antonio Conte - big-name managers coming to make a huge impact on their club. I don't see Rosenior doing that.

“I don't think it's an appointment that is going to push Chelsea on to win the Premier League or a Champions League title.”