The pressure on Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has intensified significantly following another disappointing result, with former Barcelona manager Xavi emerging as the bookmakers' favourite to potentially succeed him at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca Under Fire After Bournemouth Draw
Chelsea's faint Premier League title hopes have all but evaporated after a run of just one victory in their last seven top-flight matches. The situation reached a new low on Tuesday night, December 31, 2025, when the Blues were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Bournemouth, a side without a league win since October.
The frustration of the home support was palpable. Maresca was roundly booed by Chelsea fans after substituting star player Cole Palmer as his team chased a winning goal. The jeers continued at the full-time whistle, underscoring the growing discontent.
No Immediate Sacking, But Patience is Thin
Despite the toxic atmosphere, numerous reports on Wednesday indicate that Maresca is not in immediate danger of losing his job. However, publications like the Daily Telegraph warn that the situation could change rapidly unless results improve.
The Italian manager faces a defining and brutal month of fixtures that will likely decide his fate. It begins with a trip to Manchester City on Sunday, followed by a West London derby against Fulham next Wednesday. Difficult games against Arsenal and Napoli in the Carabao Cup and Champions League also loom large.
Xavi Tops the Betting for Chelsea Hotseat
While there is no suggestion Chelsea are actively lining up a replacement, bookmakers have already priced up the market. According to BetVictor, Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi is the current favourite at 6/1 should the position become vacant.
The next Chelsea manager odds from BetVictor are as follows:
- Xavi: 6/1
- Liam Rosenior: 8/1
- Oliver Glasner: 8/1
- Unai Emery: 10/1
- Marco Silva: 10/1
- Cesc Fabregas: 12/1
- Andoni Iraola: 12/1
- Frank Lampard: 12/1
- Julian Nagelsmann: 16/1
- Antonio Conte: 16/1
- John Terry: 16/1
Xavi has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in 2024, having won one La Liga title during his three-year tenure. Other notable contenders include Liam Rosenior, who is impressing at Strasbourg—another club under Chelsea's ownership group BlueCo—and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner.
In a twist of fate, Maresca himself was recently linked with the Manchester City job, tipped as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola. The Italian, who previously worked as City's U23 boss and Guardiola's assistant, firmly dismissed the speculation. "It doesn't affect me. It's 100% speculation," he stated, reaffirming his commitment to Chelsea until his contract ends in 2029.
For now, Maresca remains in post, but the coming weeks will be critical for his future as Chelsea manager.
