Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has urged the club to target Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner as their next manager, arguing he is a more proven candidate than the current favourite, Liam Rosenior.
Maresca's Sudden Departure Sparks Search
The call comes after a dramatic breakdown at Stamford Bridge led to the exit of head coach Enzo Maresca. Chelsea confirmed Maresca had left his role on New Year's Day, ending an 18-month reign that had brought Europa Conference League and Club World Cup success.
Despite a strong start to the season which saw the Blues tipped as outside title contenders, relations soured. The 45-year-old Italian launched a furious attack on the club's hierarchy last month after a win over Everton, complaining of a lack of support. His final match was Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth.
Cundy's Case for Glasner
With Rosenior, the manager of Chelsea sister club Strasbourg, emerging as the frontrunner, Cundy has advocated for a different path. Speaking on talkSPORT, he highlighted Glasner's achievements at Crystal Palace, notably last season's historic FA Cup win.
"Oliver Glasner is the one I would go for," Cundy stated. "He has proven himself to be an excellent manager. Chelsea are not going to go out and poach the best manager. For example, we're not going to get Pep Guardiola. But I think, when you look at what Glasner has done at Crystal Palace, where he has taken them..."
Cundy did, however, acknowledge a potential red flag, noting Glasner's own past frustrations over a lack of transfer investment at Selhurst Park – an echo of Maresca's recent complaints.
Interim Arrangements and City Clash
Chelsea have moved swiftly to appoint Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane as interim manager for this weekend's crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City. McFarlane described the last 24 hours as "a crazy whirlwind" but said he felt positive about the challenge ahead.
He praised the squad's "exceptional" attitude during the turmoil and singled out club captain Reece James for his leadership. "Reece has been brilliant, he has been a real leader in the group and helped the staff and players to get ready for Sunday," McFarlane added.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the departed Maresca is already being considered as a potential long-term successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
