Report: Chelsea have already identified their Enzo Maresca replacement | OneFootball

Chelsea consider Andoni Iraola as pressure grows on Enzo Maresca

Chelsea weigh up managerial options amid poor form

Chelsea’s turbulent season has taken another twist after a 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland left manager Enzo Maresca under mounting pressure. According to Caught Offside, key figures within the club have begun discussing contingency plans, including the possibility of appointing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola should results continue to disappoint.

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Maresca’s vision has reportedly failed to convince several senior officials, with concerns centred around the team’s inconsistency and lack of attacking fluency. “Chelsea are laying the groundwork for a potential managerial change,” the report stated, suggesting that the club’s hierarchy are no longer unanimously behind the Italian coach.

Iraola seen as future world-class manager

The club’s hierarchy view Iraola as a manager with both tactical innovation and the leadership required to take Chelsea to the next level. Sources told Caught Offside that the Spaniard is “on the shortlist” and considered “the next big thing in world football”.

Iraola’s Bournemouth side have been one of the surprise stories of the Premier League campaign. Sitting second in the table, just four points behind leaders Arsenal, they have impressed with their intensity, fluid attacking play and compact defensive structure.

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His success, achieved with a modest budget, has drawn admiration from several elite clubs, including Manchester United and Juventus. The report adds that Juventus have intensified their pursuit of the 43-year-old, while United view him as a possible candidate if uncertainty persists around Ruben Amorim’s long-term role.

Boehly’s track record sparks uncertainty

For Maresca, the situation feels perilous. Todd Boehly’s tenure has been marked by swift and frequent managerial changes, and although the club’s leadership have offered public support, few believe that patience will last much longer if results do not improve.

With the Blues losing three of their last five league games, the prospect of Iraola arriving at Stamford Bridge is beginning to look increasingly realistic.

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Many supporters appreciate Maresca’s attempt to implement a possession-based style, but patience is wearing thin. The Sunderland defeat felt emblematic of a team unsure of its identity, full of talent yet lacking cohesion.

The mention of Andoni Iraola will intrigue many. His Bournemouth side have been dynamic, tactically intelligent and full of confidence. Fans could see the appeal of a manager capable of transforming limited resources into results. However, Chelsea’s constant managerial turnover is a major concern.

There is admiration for Iraola’s intensity, but some fear he could face the same structural issues that have undone previous coaches. Stability remains Chelsea’s biggest obstacle. If Iraola is indeed the preferred choice, fans will hope the club finally provides a clear long-term vision to match his ambitious approach.