Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea after just 18 months in charge, with Liam Rosenior the heavy 4/11 favourite to replace him.
News broke early on New Years' Day that the Chelsea hierarchy were to decide on Maresca's future, and they have been decisive in their action, with him exiting just after lunchtime, only three days before a trip to Manchester City.
Chelsea's statement read: "Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.
"During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the club's recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club."
A 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday was Maresca's final game in a tenure lasting 18 months, with him delivering Champions League football via a fourth placed finish and a trophy in the form of the lucrative Club World Cup in the summer.
Liam Rosenior has been heavily backed into the 4/11 favourite to succeed Maresca, which would be a move between two BlueCo clubs.
Rosenior is currently in charge of Strasbourg, one of Chelsea's sister clubs, and has them seventh in Ligue 1 and going well in the Conference League, finishing top of the league phase.
Next permanent Chelsea manager odds (via Sky Bet)
- 4/11 - Liam Rosenior
- 6/1 - Andoni Iraola
- 7/1 - Filipe Luis
- 15/2 - Cesc Fabregas
- 10/1 - Oliver Glasner
- 22/1 bar
Odds correct at 17:35 (01/01/26)
Current Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has been vocal about his concerns at a lack of support at Palace, and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi - who is now in charge of French side Marseille - are both next in the betting at 9/1.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal playmaker Cesc Fabregas is at 12/1, with the Spaniard currently managing Italian side Como.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is at 14/1 alongside another former Chelsea player Filipe Luis. Luis has attracted a lot of attention for his excellent work in charge of Brazilian side Flamengo, who beat Chelsea in the Club World Cup group stage.
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