Chelsea Transfer Rumours

17 Jan 2026 06:58:46
Who’s going to be this perfect CB for Chelsea this January?

Apparently, the club are looking for a player who’s comfortable playing out from the back, is first team / EPL ready and can develop with, ultimately playing alongside, Colwill. They will obviously stick to their age criteria as well, don’t see them signing a 28 year old fully fledged / experienced international.

Romano has stated we have three players on our list, one of which is named as Jacquet, who plays for Rennes and is being chased by half of Europe. I’m not seeing a current EPL defender who meets the criteria.

Who else should we be looking at?

In other news, some reports that it’s between us and Man City for Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez, who is leaving on a €6m release clause. Flick Maya’s described loosing the player as the biggest disappointment of his career.

17 Jan 2026 08:53:42
J, I enjoyed your report and fingers crossed you are correct on the recruitment front.

17 Jan 2026 08:54:51
PSG now favoured to sign Dro.

17 Jan 2026 08:57:56
Jacquet is wanted by all the top clubs in europe and in particular Liverpool, Aresnal and Real Madrid so will be very difficult to sign him I imagine?

17 Jan 2026 10:23:49
69 million for a centre back whos played 19 senior games in ligue1 is absoloute insanity.

17 Jan 2026 10:50:09
Jacquet is only 20 so certainly fits the agre profile - or is he already a bit too old? lol - and his highlights package looks good strong and quick (but said package unlikely to show any errors of course) . Another great prospect. But could take time to adapt to EPL?

Anselmino looked v promising indeed to me when I watched him at the Bridge in our preseason friendly v Bayer Leverkausen and do not know whay we didn't hold on to him - I suppose we altready had BB and perhaps thought Hato could play there though seems more comfortable at LB- yet we loaned him out to Borussia Dortmund where he is excelling.

What I think Matresca wanted was an already EPL proven LCB to replace/stand in for the injured LC. Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth may be available in this respect but is 'elderly' at 28!

But given we are unlikely to win my=uch this season pergaps Jacquet would be another good purchase/investment for the future. Fits more in line with CFC as a trading club that might be able to compete for ECK or EPL - if we can retain our best players - ina few seasons time?

17 Jan 2026 11:54:00
So, I ask again has any poster seen these two young CH’s we are being linked with actually play?

I personally have no idea of how good they currently are.

Obviously some feel they are overpriced, so I assume they have seen them play.

17 Jan 2026 12:50:27
Tom

I'm sure you will probably be aware but I doubt anybody has seen them play.

17 Jan 2026 14:25:01
That’s my point Bill. So, if that is the case how do qualify as a waist of money?

17 Jan 2026 14:50:37
I've not seen them play only Jacquet's highlights reel in which he looked impressive as most do but did reveal his size strength and pace. But we are all guessing on how he would turn out to be when in a blue shirt at the Bridge. As most will have been with likes of Gittens and Hato.

Bringing players in from outside the EPL typically more if a gamble than getting them in from another EPL club or may need more time to adjust. Can only hope Jacquet is the bees knees of CBs if we sign him.

17 Jan 2026 15:57:04
Jacquet has (apparently) told Rennes he wants to join Chelsea this window. Haven’t seen him, but, given the wide depth of interest in him, he must have some promise. If he signs, for me, we’d need him to be an immediate upgrade on Chalobah, Tosin or Badiashile - tough ask.

17 Jan 2026 18:23:43
J I agree with you and would just add that hevis predominantly left footed and is probably more physical as a player than BB.

17 Jan 2026 22:11:17
Highly rated player. £55 million-ish for a player with 30 Ligue 1 games under his professional belt. City are signing Guehi for £20 million. I'm nonplussed.

17 Jan 2026 23:03:34
EdW, I’m not sure how interested we would have been in Guehi given his reported wages.

18 Jan 2026 05:16:29
If I’m not wrong, in the summer Guehi was asked if he would be interested in returning to us and shut it down instantly.

18 Jan 2026 06:04:44
Guehi contract was up, if he had three or so years left he’d be valued significantly higher. Tom’s correct about wages too. Right player for us, but wasn’t going to happen.

18 Jan 2026 08:59:50
I'm in agreement, his wages demands are far too high for us and I'm totally happy with that.

Who do we get on, who knows and to be honest I will only be interested when we signed somebody that puts on a shirt for us and actually plays rather than being loaned out.

The young fellow at Dortmund who is on loan from us is supposedly playing well getting rave reviews from their coach, why not give him a go.

In the summer, a clear out of our CB's should be a priority.

18 Jan 2026 18:04:24
Jacquet is rated highly. but my argument would be so are anselmino, sarr and josh and the forgotten colwill whos still only 22

surely a better idea might be a bit more experience to balance it out?

18 Jan 2026 20:25:50
I would like to think they have looked at all different solutions. I haven’t seen th lad play and so far no other poster has said they have seen him play.

He could be the cat’s whiskers. If we sign him I wi wait and see before I start judging or making comparisons to other players.

18 Jan 2026 23:04:15
he might become the cats whiskers- issue is we already have 3 that 'might' become good- how about looking at someone whos played a bit before.

19 Jan 2026 12:08:31
Maybe because they consider this guy to be better than what we currently have.

19 Jan 2026 14:29:01
The problem is how do we know that tom… sarr and anselmino have done well by all sccounts and you can see there's a top class player potentiallt in josh …. Just feels like money that couldve been better spent.

19 Jan 2026 14:56:59
How on earth do you reach a conclusion that any transfer fee could’ve been better spent.

Not a single poster has said they have seen the lad play other than social media clips. Our manager has first hand knowledge of the player as well as our SD’s supposed positive reports.

I am assuming/guessing they feel he is an upgrade on what we currently have. I’m personally not in a position to judge or be critical of that decision.

21 Jan 2026 12:13:09
I like PochEmpire’s comment about how crazy it would be to spend £69m for a player who has played 19 games in L1. Enzo had played 17 games for Benfica, so presumably the fee for this lad should be higher!

16 Jan 2026 21:53:00
Hi Guys and Girls, I'm back after a short break and head wobble and thought I would share this with you fresh in from Kavvy at Sky.

Chelsea are getting close to signing a centre back this month - and also a midfielder or attacker if the right opportunity materialises. Levi Colwill’s recovery from a serious knee injury is going very well and the England centre back remains a central part of Chelsea’s long-term plans. At the same time, Chelsea are cautiously optimistic they will be able to sign a new centre back, who is their preferred option, this month and talks have stepped up. Rennes' 20-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet is one of their main targets.

On a new midfielder or attacker – Chelsea are working to see whether summer 2026 targets can be signed this month. Chelsea have left a Champions League A slot free in their squad so they can add a new player.
The centre backs Chelsea wanted to sign in the summer were not available when Colwill was injured in August. Chelsea were trying to sign a starting-level centre back all summer – before and after Colwill was injured. Chelsea were confident of signing Dean Huijsen last summer before Real Madrid – who were his dream move since he was a child – agreed a deal to sign the player from Bournemouth.

After missing out on Huijsen, Chelsea struggled to find an elite level centre back in the market who was an upgrade on what they had. Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle United were all trying to sign a centre back and failed to sign anyone of the required standard. Enzo Maresca’s public comments that Chelsea should sign a centre back weakened their leverage.

Looks like 2 or 3 might be coming in. Open those doors.

17 Jan 2026 05:00:20
RPD, welcome back. I was gutted when Huijsen went to RM but I’m pleased we didn’t go a make do type alternative.
Looks like they are determined to only go for a player who is on their list of targets.

17 Jan 2026 09:04:22
Welcome back RPD.

I read recently Liverpool have Jacquet in their sights and now maybe more as they lost out to Man City with Guehi.

Like Tom, I beleive they should only go for a player the club have been following as a priority and not a fall back.

17 Jan 2026 11:10:30
Welcome back RPD and thanks for another inteeresting post. I do agree that an upgrade needed at CB though am a bit concerned that even a v talented youngster Jacquet from the French league may undestandably take time to adjust to the greater pace and physicality of the EPL plus extra pressure in playing for a big club like CFC. But he could be the real deal

IMHO Guehi would have offered us an immediate fix in being both EPL tested plus knowing CFC of course and would only cost City 20 million. I don't know if we even tried for him? It seems that Jacquet will cosr c 50 million and has to be a gamble being so young and with no EPL experience though I confess to being impressed by his physicality and speed on display in his highlights reel.

16 Jan 2026 15:57:05
A rumour raheem sterling back in squad. shows that it was prev manager who did not rate him and booted him out but club welcome him back now.

16 Jan 2026 17:11:32
How much longer does RS have on his contract?

Will the club try and strengthen us at CB or anyhwere else on the pitch (eg GK; Striker) this window?

16 Jan 2026 20:17:14
JBS, good Sterling question. I can’t remember if it’s one and half or two and half years.

17 Jan 2026 10:53:34
Thanks Tom. will try and find out re RS contract. Non playing player at CFC bad for him and us but he didn't do well at Arsenal and it is hard to see how he could come back into CFC squad now and get much game time if any. And who woud back this?

17 Jan 2026 11:00:32
Sterling gad two years left on his contract in Sep[tember 2025 so presume it expires end of August 2027.

17 Jan 2026 11:56:34
JBS, thanks for the clarification. So only 18 months max to go. Of course we could extend his contract. ?.

17 Jan 2026 14:34:46
Tom. that’s good news, we only have to pay him £25 million in wages to the end of his contract ?.

17 Jan 2026 20:00:52
Better than it was three and a half years ago and who knows a club might still take part of his costs off our books.

18 Jan 2026 21:37:20
Tom, I don’t understand your logic: over his contract period he will receive £80 million in wages: how much do you seriously believe we will get from another club . Offer him 10 mill to**** off.

19 Jan 2026 12:13:44
My logic is, we have already paid three and half years of his wages and it’s likely that amount for account purposes has already been written off. Therefore we have a further eighteen months to pay as a maximum. That maximum (with luck) could be reduced by a sale, loan or negotiated release.

15 Jan 2026 20:43:44
Does anyone know anything about Jacobo Ramón?

A mate tells me we have made an inquiry and looking at certain pundits comments it might be true.

Obviously he is young but I would be interested to know if anyone has seen him play?

16 Jan 2026 09:09:42
Surprise Surprise, another youngster.

16 Jan 2026 12:39:13
I had already said that. I’m not worried about his age, I just want to know if he is any good.

16 Jan 2026 13:15:17
My point is Tom, no lessons have been learnt.

16 Jan 2026 14:26:03
FGS, I have no interest in his age or about any so called lessons to be learned. I just wanted to know if any poster has seen him play and if yes, is he any good.

We could just as easily go out and buy a player with Premiership experience and of a certain age, like Tosin and they might turn out to be crap for us!

16 Jan 2026 15:05:13
Wasn't Tosin signed on a free.

16 Jan 2026 15:32:40
Silly me and there I was thinking it was an age thing.

I repeat I only want to know if he is a good player. i've assumed he can be young and be a good player!

16 Jan 2026 16:18:20
Of course youngsters can be good but not all are.

16 Jan 2026 16:27:46
I would rather sign a promising youngster like this guy Tom than an experienced old head like Koudibally on £300k a week.

16 Jan 2026 16:28:34
And not all older or experienced players work out at a new club.

I assume no one has any idea if this lad is a good player.

16 Jan 2026 17:15:04
Silva on a free was one of our best signings ever. Whoever we could sign I can only hope he has a calm head and somewhere close to the skill and vision of TS. In my dreams?

16 Jan 2026 17:56:20
Think he was the kid from Real Madrid. Don't know much about him other than YouTube clips. Can't be any worse than what we have.

16 Jan 2026 18:49:56
Thanks Dan.

06 Jan 2026 08:47:54
It's completed all bar a signature Rosenoir will be our new manager.

I think fairly obvioulsy the winners in terms of first team football will be Santos in midfield who he knows from Strasbourg and I also expect Delap to be the nos 9 going forward.

For no paticular reason I feel more excited by this appointment than the last couple.

Must be given time onwards and upwards.

06 Jan 2026 09:13:31
I hope he does well seymns2 and as always he will get my full support, not many big guns out there at the moment and those who were bleating about Maresca might well change their tune when he rocks up at Man U. Others on here have wanted Slot and Amorin and Thomas Frank but they are not exactly tearing up trees are they? the warriors will start again this morning as it fits their agendas but as the name on the tin says, it is a banter page so all great fun and fully inclusive.

06 Jan 2026 10:56:45
Brilliant news. A manager who can actually adapt his tactics.

06 Jan 2026 11:05:32
With the types of players we have, we are going to see a manager who plays football what suits the players. We’re going to see James, gusto and cucurella attacking down the wings. Might even see chalobah, fofana and Acheampong playing together as a back three.

Palmer and estevao, Garnacho will have more attacking threat. No more 2 or three on 1s for the wingers, with the wing backs moving forward. I’m really excited. Looking forward too it.

06 Jan 2026 22:08:10
We have to hope for the best with this new appointment seymns2 even if he seems - as Maresca did too when joining us - to be light on experience at the top level. CFC in EPL is such a huge step up from Strasbourg or Hull. And I don't think his record at Strasbourg has been great. But then perhaps it couldn't be expected to be given their resources and fact we take back some of their nest players who are our loanees. LR did pretty well last season in getting them into Conference League (I think? must check) for this season. Yes CFC in EPL and ECL is a huge step up though.

Amyway Santos should enjoy his arrival plus Kendry Paez and Emmanuel Emegha will know him and hopefully trust him when they join from Strasbourg in the summer -- perhps one or two more from there too I've forgotten?

I haven't watched Strasbourg enough - to be honest hardly at all - to be able to judge LR as a tactician. Would like to hear more comments on this from those who have.

But if LR can play players in best positions and be adaptable in tactics to suit opposition he will have a squad that can still get top 4/5 under him. And they showed under Callum v City that if motivated and focused they van get results against top teams. LR is apparently a v. good man manager and will hope that means he can get best out of his players.

So must hope for success for him and so for the team and for all us fans! And that he will then be able to last longer that the 18 months average tenure of CFC managers in 21st century! Woud be marvelous then to have some head coach stability!

KTBFFH.

07 Jan 2026 09:27:28
I'm with you Seymns – even though my head says this is probably not going to work, my heart is very much in it, somewhat of its own accord. I think most of us fans have been hoping for a longer-term appointment like a Ferguson, a Wenger or a Klopp. Watched a bit of his last press conference at Strasbourg and Rosenior speaks very well – he strikes me as a measured and intelligent man. I don't know about you lot, but I've not really felt properly connected to a CFC manager since Ancelotti, who was my personal favourite of the Abramovich years by miles (first-year Mourinho included), and perhaps even in my time watching Chelsea – great football, and just seemed like a really likeable person.

Hopefully LR can keep that cool head – as they say in boxing, everyone's got a plan till they get punched in the face.

07 Jan 2026 13:57:56
Yes I really liked Carlo A too EdW. Impossible not to given way we played under him 2009-2010.

I know what you. mean about warming to a manager and thought Maresca not an easy man to warm to though I had begun to after CWC win and his running down touchline after Estevao winner v Liverpool. I did like first season Lamps and had like most others had sense of connection with him cos of his playing days plus being CFC thrpugh and through. But his return was pretty humiliating for him though its great he is now having big success with Coventry in the Championship. Perhaps he can return to us and be successful here too one day.

One worry with Liam R is that he seems almost too nice to be a successful head coach but perhaps there is a hairdryer thrower personality in him if really needed?!

07 Jan 2026 15:03:59
That 2009-10 season was incredible JBS. I really lost something as a fan with the way the club treated Carlo.

Agreed on Maresca – generally I never felt sure. Running down the line always a great moment, but a moment like that balanced against the press-conference arrogance and stodgy league football. Telling the team to calm down when we went 1-0 at City last season and were rampant (duly getting schooled for not pressing the advantage) really did my nut.

Would love it if Lamps becomes an actual good manager. Seemed tactically inept in both spells previously (totally open down the middle), though loved how many academy players he brought through. The test will be how Coventry do if they get promoted I guess. It's a huge step up in quality from Championship to PL level, as we've seen last few years with the promoted sides.

I know what you mean about the niceness, but interestingly he's also quite a hard disciplinarian from what I've read – fines for players late for training etc. at Strasbourg, and the clear message 'if they don't want to deal with it we'll get players in who do'. Will be interesting to see how this group of players react to that kind of attitude after Maresca's refusal to discipline. The squad seemed to really love him. If Rosenior can present the case for fines calmly and still be well-liked would be a win – would be amazing if we could start to cut out the pointless bookings for dissent.

07 Jan 2026 17:30:34
EdW thanks for interesting comments on LR as nice yet instiller of disciple among players. That sounds positive and yes especially if we could get the card count down significantly.

What do you -or anyone else on here - think/know about his tactical skills, flexibility, astuteness with substitutions etc? I know so litte about him on most fronts!

I have to agree about how open we were under Lamps in his first season but he had inherited a transfer ban if I recall correctly - a prompt to using academy products a positive outcome there - and he did get us a fourth place finish in league plus to an FA Cup final though we lost it.

07 Jan 2026 21:54:58
I know almost as little as you, JBS. But from what I've heard he's tactically flexible, with a few different routes of attack (though his team have found it hard to play against a massed defense – which isn't surprising, as it's generally really hard to play against a team in a low block. On a side note, when did 'low block' replace 'parking the bus' as the way to describe a team parking the bus? ) . Had a Strasbourg side that was the youngest squad in Ligue 1 playing well – one of the posters on here has been watching them this season, HDKN I think, so they might have more info for you on his effectiveness with subs etc.

They were flying until November – seem to be suffering the same winter blues we have for the past however many seasons it is now – eight? I swear it predates Clearlake even, this late-year/early-year slump.

07 Jan 2026 22:28:50
Thanks for this EdW. LR will have quiteva job on his hands taking over here when we've only won in last 9. In absence of LC andcwith Fofana futness problem I wondernif he will try three at the back.

01 Jan 2026 17:35:42
Three main reasons for Maresca leaving the club, firstly it is a results driven game, win matches and you have credit in the bag, lose matches and that credit lessens, lose too many matches you are expected to win and you are out, second reason is because there have been disagreements behind the scenes about return-to-play protocols for injured players. Chelsea have an independent medical department who have the final say. From Chelsea's point of view, their head coach will never have the final say when it comes to that as they want to protect the players and try to curb the amount of injuries which have piled up over the past few years, Maresca wanted to play Fofana and Palmer in every game recently but the medical people said no.

The final reason, from Chelsea's perspective, is Maresca being linked with other jobs like Juventus and Manchester City. There may have been a sense from inside the club that these links were a distraction and coincided with a dip in form and results.

There have been clues that not all has been well behind the scenes, such as Tuesday night when Maresca did not hold a post-match press conference after the draw with Bournemouth because, we were told, he was ill.

It has added to a sense of volatility at the club but the sense is that things have not been right at the club for some time.

01 Jan 2026 18:49:48
RPD, I enjoyed your post a lot and I found myself agreeing with most of your assumptions.

01 Jan 2026 23:10:17
I think maresca was lucky to stay in the job
Last year
He won the club world cup we played well in the final other than that we were ordinary
Conference cup really a club of our size should never of been in it in 1st place and yes we won it but it's a mickey mouse cup of the highest order
European mid table trophy to generate money
would be a better name for it

Yes we got top 4
Man u were woeful
And we wouldn't of been top 4 if Notts forest hadn't rubbish there pants

Everyone says he didn't get players he wanted
But surely he wanted dewsbury hall there is no way we would of bought him otherwise

His subs were just plain weird
His team selections have been very weird at times
He never changed system
Players often looked flat and disinterested
Overcoached almost my way or the highway
That's OK but we have so many flair players and that mustn't suit them being restricted buy tactics held back almost

And playing players out of position why when we have a 649 man squad

James in midfield
Gusto left back
But my big 1 is and il probs get dogs abuse

PALMER
Is definetly better on right wing than in the 10.

02 Jan 2026 05:04:12
Hbih, I think KDH was becoming a good member of the squad and one we may regret selling at some stage.

I was critical of the EM almost rigid tactical approach for the majority of last to season and was only towards the last ten games ish and when we became more tactically flexible we started to pick results and qualify for the Champions League.

There was only one team that in my opinion performed well in the premiership last season and that was obviously Liverpool. I had us finish 3rd-5th so I was happy enough with our final finishing position. As I said in my usual end of season summary. I think he deserved another season, mainly because of the team’s performance over the last ten ish games.

The Palmer debate will be interesting and I wonder what the next manager will see has his best position.

02 Jan 2026 17:01:22
Palmer in my eyes is excellent in both positions, but if I had to pick one I think he is better on the right.

02 Jan 2026 18:56:27
Maresca was planing on leaving. He changed his agent recently. His inverted full backs will never work anyway. Can’t wait to see our wingers have some back up now, see some over lapping runs.

02 Jan 2026 19:09:47
BLUEBOY, I am not confident on the chosen tactics of any future manager.

06 Jan 2026 07:08:56
RPD, sure you really don't understand the reason why maresca left. The game being a result game is just delusion. Ambition is mainly the reason for me as the owners want a post dated success on the pitch but maresca wants to win now by having the capable players, but the owners want to intimidate him through irrelevant positions and he chose to walk away.

What maresca fought for is what everyone will be fighting against in a few months. The owners have suddenly lowered Chelsea's ambitions selfishly. They force players on maresca and expect magic. They won't want an established manager now because no manager that knows his worth will accept to work in such circumstances.

Saw somebody asking for the return of mourinho and I laughed. Mourinho will expose them and open them the media and public. If only the fans around the globe understand what these guys are doing to Chelsea no one will be attending games on match days. Stop making excuses for the owners they are the real problems and the main reason maresca left.

06 Jan 2026 14:33:37
Tusole, your opinion is just as valid as any other posters opinions.

Can I suggest you read the recent Danny Windsor article. It might just change your views on a few topics.

01 Jan 2026 15:29:39
Athletic (Ornstein) reporting that Maresca had meetings with City personnel as far back as October. For me, that brings a few of his subsequent actions / comments into focus and it’s doesn’t place Maresca in a favourable light. The other thing that’s being pulled into focus is the fact that Rosenior is the front runner to take over, which is a move I completely disagree with for both him and the club.

For me, I’d like to see the club go for Iraola. Lots of reports that a new coach will be in place within days, probably before the City game, so we won’t have to wait long to see who it is.

01 Jan 2026 16:51:54
Rosenior more likely than most to be yes man the SDs and Eghbali would like?

01 Jan 2026 17:17:07
J, I’m not trying to defend EM or any other Chelsea employee and that includes the owners.

We have no idea when the SD’s first spoke to him about various issues. I was only told about these various incident/arguments that been happening after the Atalanta game. I have no idea if the concerns on either side were justified or reasonable.

I guess a lot depends on who we choose to believe. If a fan dislikes the manager, it will be his fault. If a fan dislikes the SD’s or owners then it’s going to be their fault. My guess is they probably all have to take a percentage of the responsibility/blame.

01 Jan 2026 18:06:49
Yes JBS, I think that’s definitely a factor. He has done a decent job at Strasbourg, working under similar stipulations, with the youngest squad in Europe. Of course, if he comes in, I hope we’re wowed by him and his tactics. I don’t think it’ll go down well at all though, I think lots will see it as a lack of ambition and a bad start will be met with the fans showing their feelings - loudly and clearly. In fact, anything but hitting the ground running would cause a pretty toxic atmosphere at the bridge, which, in my opinion, puts Rosenior in a pretty unfavourable situation, if he gets the job.

Tom, for me, some reliable journo’s have spelt out what’s happened and why Maresca is no longer our coach. But, it’s done now, we just have to look forward to the next trip around the merry go round.

01 Jan 2026 18:42:01
J

Hitting the ground running g will be difficult as we have 9 games in 27 days therefore training ground routines will be at a minimal.

01 Jan 2026 18:51:24
J, spot on mate. As far as I’m concerned, thanks for everything Enzo and we move on.

01 Jan 2026 20:14:02
Very difficult indeed Bill, why would you put an inexperienced coach through that? They might go into it with patience and recognition for the difficulty of the task, but many won’t.

01 Jan 2026 20:55:39
I have to agree with you J.

02 Jan 2026 13:05:07
Im honestly in disbelief that they are even considering Liam Rossenior. Has 0 credentials, got sacked from Hull, worked under Rooney at Derby where they had a miserable time and let be honest isn't exactly doing brilliant at Strasbourg. Not being funny but why would any of our players by into any of his philopsophys.

I agree with sacking Maresca but only if your going to bring a new coach who you can see making a genuine improvement to the squad. I don't like the model of having sporting directors where coaches have 0 say on incomings and outgoings, it does not give them a fair chance at building successful side. You look at all the best teams over the years, the manager has always been top dog.

02 Jan 2026 14:13:57
Whitey, I guess top dog a Chelsea is training, tactics, picking the team and press conferences.

Other duties are elsewhere and I’m personally ok ish with the new structure but I can imagine the lines of responsibility often become blurred.

02 Jan 2026 17:05:59
Don't mind the structure except would rather have one shareholder in charge of the club Todd Bohely

Would rather only have one sporting director don't care which one a bit like Ant and Dec I can't tell them apart.

06 Jan 2026 13:02:04
I will be blunt about the rosenoir as the new manager. I think no English manager has ever won the epl title and rosenoir particularly hasn't stood out to get the position except being a yes man to egbali who's not goingto push the club to the top. Not really excited about the appointment and likely going to be like potter's. So I guess it's one to hold on to till when they are ready to appoint a real manager that they will back with the needful that they refused enzo.

06 Jan 2026 14:35:21
I hope we all have reasons to be cheerful with our new managers appointment.

01 Jan 2026 12:21:18
Ok, I have just spoken to my mate who told me EM would get the sack if we didn’t beat Bournemouth he says EM has already left.

I asked about a replacement. I asked about my choices as our next manager but he said it’s all up in the air.

01 Jan 2026 14:31:12
Not Rossenoir or Xavi for me . but likes of Unai Emery unlikely to be available if especially mid season. And why jump ship frpm Villa to CFC now?

01 Jan 2026 15:12:52
Thanks for the update tomb appreciate it.

01 Jan 2026 08:13:06
Seems to be judgement day for Maresca. Problem is, whoever comes in will face the same issues of having no experience, an average squad and has to be a 'yes' man.

Happy New Year all. I hope 2026 is full of joy and new memories.

01 Jan 2026 12:28:05
interesting to see who will get it.

01 Jan 2026 12:31:09
Happy New Year Dan and to all other posters.

Appears that Liam Rossenior will be the new manager which personally fills me with no confidence at all.

01 Jan 2026 13:24:18
It’s his formation those stupid inverted full backs holds every player on the pitch back.

31 Dec 2025 21:06:02
Enzo Maresca was not sick post Bournemouth. Understand he chose not to attend the post-match press conference because he is in the middle of making a decision as he considers his options at the club.

Understand Maresca continues to be frustrated by aspects of the Chelsea project affecting his independence to make decisions and strategic elements don’t always align with how he wants to manage the team (The same as Poch) .

This led to his post-Everton comments, which had been brewing for some time.

Maresca had said publicly he loves Chelsea as a club and its fanbase and relishes the pressure of delivering results, but my understanding is he is struggling to work within certain conditions

This is a huge power play between Maresca and the sporting directors. Question is? who do my fellow posters want to come out on top? Maresca or the sporting directors?

Don't sit on the fence, Maresca or the sporting directors?

01 Jan 2026 00:16:46
I won't get into the politics it's embarrassing but one of these parties won the CWC with an average squad.

The other party has spent 2bn on an extremely average squad after inheriting a champions league winning one, fell out of favour with 3 managers now and are paying raheem sterling 350k to sit at home.

The sad thing is i can go on and on.

01 Jan 2026 00:54:12
RPD, I believe there will only one winner. The SD’s are part of the owners long term plan. If EM now wants out or wants to change the plan, I think he has zero chance.

I have had two comments made to me recently both of which I posted, it now looks as if they were both true.

Im personally not a fan of changing managers mid season but we have won them champs League twice when we’ve done it before. ?.

01 Jan 2026 07:40:24
If I had to pick between the two options, I’d pick the SD’s. As mentioned in an earlier post, I don’t think their squad building has been as bad as some believe, yes there’s been misses and key positions need to be added, but I think the squad that’s been built could / should be used better.

Everything else aside, I think it’s pretty disgraceful and unprofessional that Maresca dodged the press conference, feels like he’s trying to force the clubs hand into sacking him.

01 Jan 2026 08:45:20
Don't still understand reason managers are not involved with transfers even when they are the main unit that use the players.

Boely and Co. are resolute with keeping Chelsea a mid table club just to achieve their business goals. Unfortunately, Chelsea is above such clime now the fans are already spoilt with success from roman abrahimovic era. All these mess where created by the Boely and Co. but Maresca could be made the scapegoat.

Whether Maresca leaves or not, the damage Boely and Co. have brought will eventually be brought to fore. Like I usually do, Maresca should not leave and the owners should review their selfish transfer policy for Chelsea and not make Maresca the scapegoat.

01 Jan 2026 08:26:10
Let's hope so J.

Waking up the past year from anywhere between 12-4am to watch this team is starting to take it's toll.

The Maresca experiment has had some good days but he isn't the guy for us for the next 5-10 years. Let the youth we have express themselves.

Maresca and his tactics might be better suited to Italian football anyway.

01 Jan 2026 09:04:14
J, we don’t know the reasons why EM wasn’t at the post match press conference. He could easily have been told to miss it and attend a board meeting. As always we are all guessing.

01 Jan 2026 09:14:03
I think it was RBD who put a table with our nett spend and although that format is never accurate it does also emphasise the fact we have sold players for decent money as well as spending lots.

I had zero issues with the squad being rebuilt. As I said at the time, I was worried they would try and move to quickly and to my mind they did. To be fair they then put in a structure that those decisions away from the owners. Sterling was part of that early scramble.

I wouldn’t have looked to change manager now but if it is to happen so be it. Yes, EM was our manager when we win them champs League CWC but the majority of players on the pitch that day were bought by the club not EM.

I have asked the guy who told me he would get the sack if we didn’t win against Bournemouth to give me an update on EM and if he is leaving who is likely to replace him.

01 Jan 2026 09:26:25
Both Maresca and the sporting directors do some things well and some things not so well but the club do have a structure in place and all parties are privy to that and accepted it when appointed so if the rumours are to be believed that Maresca has fallen out with his bosses over policy and recruitment then he will be the one to go and I think he will end up at Man City next season.

I must say the crowd on tuesday started to turn on him when Palmer was subbed off and again at the final whistle and I wouldn't be surprised if he leaves this month.

01 Jan 2026 09:59:51
Thats fair J. Considering both Tuchel and Poch walked though due to disagreements, and now likely Maresca. Would you say its more of a problem with the hierarchy?

With reports of them going into the dressing room after every game and infamously suggesting a '4-4-3 formation' i really can't get behind anyone but the manager.

01 Jan 2026 11:22:39
I'm just trying to recover from last night's festivities (another word for drinking too much) .

I have been reading the various posts, and I have to say that if it is true that it's the clubs policy to rotate players and not Maresca's then firstly I owe him an apology but more importantly, it's really poor how the club is being run by the owners and SD's.

That being said, i don't like the way maresca has played this out in the media and it seems to mirror Conte's antics.

If he wants to go, let him but with no compensation, if he does not like that then he stays in charge until the summer.

As you all know, I'm not a fan of his dire football which is more at home in Italian football.

Personally I think that all parties will agree to limp to the end of the season.

01 Jan 2026 12:02:56
Bill, again only guessing but if EM resigns then I doubt he will get any compensation.

My guess is the board will give a vote of confidence and then see what happens.

The TT comparison probably isn’t valid, from what I gather about him being could have an argument looking in the mirror. I am biased but for Poch should never have been appointed so I lost no sleep when he left.

01 Jan 2026 12:31:12
Ok, I was wrong about limping to the end of the season.

01 Jan 2026 12:37:36
He 100% didn't miss the press conference because of a board meeting. What an absurd take haha.

01 Jan 2026 12:41:13
Blimey Melbourne. Haven't seen you post in years. Hope you've been well mate.

01 Jan 2026 13:30:51
Or maybe not bill.

01 Jan 2026 13:42:49
Can i ask what it is the sporting directors do well greenaway?

01 Jan 2026 13:50:31
Melbourne, you may we be right and I’m only guessing and putting up different ideas.

At the moment I’m only believing what my mate has told me over the last week or so. He seems to be getting some good ish info.

01 Jan 2026 13:51:27
Would have wanted Maresca at meast to see out the season. Am worried who will be got to replace him.

28 Dec 2025 20:06:04
Just had a longish conversation with a fellow ST holder who says he has been told that EM will be sacked if we lose on Tuesday.

I personally think it’s just noise. I think EM will be our manager until the end of the season. I also believe his future at the club will be decided by the owners/SD’s at the usual end of season review.

29 Dec 2025 13:32:32
Arsenal stuck by Arteta through very lean times Tom when the majority of their fans wanted him out, now look at them. Man U sticking with Amorim and starting to pick up, Liverpool stuck with Slot and starting to pick up, we need a period of stability and are in the top 5 of the toughest league in the world and patience is needed, give him until the end of the season and then evaluate which is what clubs with a proper plan tend to do.

Ignore fans calling for a new gaffer as those same fans will soon turn on the new coach and we go through the same motions all over again.

29 Dec 2025 14:19:01
RPD, I agree. I hope EM is our manager for years to come for the obvious reasons.

29 Dec 2025 15:47:43
Is that how long pep is staying at Man City Tom?

29 Dec 2025 16:58:02
Not sure what Pep has got to do with anything but he is leaving City in the summer so I assume EM will be mentioned for the job but the bigger rumour is EM to Juve.

Either wouldn’t be a bad job for an “idiot” or “clown. ”.

29 Dec 2025 18:00:26
Rom

I'm sure you know that many people get jobs where they are out of their depth.

29 Dec 2025 18:24:14
I suppose it could be argued that we all give our opinions even when we are not qualified to give an opinion.

EM is qualified to be a coach. At the moment he is deemed as a successful coach by some and not bye others.

There are some who just want him sacked without even suggesting an available alternative.

If he is to leave, the end of the season would seem to me to be a good time on lots of levels.

29 Dec 2025 20:24:45
Tom

No matter how many suggestions we make, it's not in our hands so it really does not matter who we would want, it's all down to the owners and SD's.

29 Dec 2025 20:31:17
Bill, exactly and the chances of them making me happy are close to zero if they do it now and about 20% if they decided to do it in the summer.

30 Dec 2025 09:13:34
Says a lot about our ownership and leadership then Tom.

30 Dec 2025 10:05:27
I think it says more about fickle fans and how impossible it is to make all football fans happy.

My view and main focus is on supporting the club, manager and players as often as I possibly can.

30 Dec 2025 11:08:40
He better off sacked. He wants to leave anyway. His tactics don’t work, we’re being found out with these eatupid inverted full backs. We’re getting caught out out wide. Our wingers need help over lapping runs ect.

Garnacho and Neto are always two or three on one. It’s pathetic. If we lose the ball we’re screwed. Cucurella is in midfield, challobah had to come across then we’re left with one maybe two defenders left to mark 4 attackers.

30 Dec 2025 12:01:51
I may well be wrong but I actually think there are some supporters who are so desperate to see the back of EM, they want us to lose.

30 Dec 2025 15:01:52
Never Tom, not sure where you got that assumption from, I have not read anything like that on here.

30 Dec 2025 15:53:52
Bill, I have this season and twice last season. It’s probably me but I think that some just want EM gone at any cost.

30 Dec 2025 18:55:02
I said I would rather watch us lose 5-4 than watch some of the boring football we have endured recently.

That being if we score 4 its at least entertaining every game. At the minute we are lucky to score one or two if we manage to bore the pants off the opposition first. And sneak behind their low block. All so boring and slow

Would I want then beaten so someone gets the sack no. I just want he to actually entertain us.

30 Dec 2025 21:40:12
I didn’t find that first half very entertaining and it finished 2-2. I was far happier with our second half controlled performance and that finished
0-0. I know what half I preferred.

30 Dec 2025 21:56:24
Tom

There is absolutely no pint in controlling possession if you can't win a game.

30 Dec 2025 22:12:38
Tomb you prefer a 0-0 draw over a 2-2 draw. Suppose it says the difference in our personalities.

You like a good old bore fest 0-0 and I want to be entertained with goals with a 2-2.

No wonder you keep beating the bore. Sorry I ment drum from merasca.

30 Dec 2025 22:23:36
Bill, I got shouted down about my preference for winning over performance. My position hasn’t changed.

As I’ve said before, three champions league finals, two git outplayed and won the other we were the better side and lost. I know what games made me happy.

30 Dec 2025 22:34:28
Definitely won't argue with that Tom.

30 Dec 2025 22:52:05
From a Chelsea prospective I can’t believe anyone enjoyed or was entertained by that first half performance.

Give me a boring win any day of the week.

30 Dec 2025 23:53:50
You never said boring win. You said a 0-0 over a 2-2.

31 Dec 2025 05:10:28
I preferred the second half 0-0 display rather than the first half 2-2 sh#t show.

I will also take any boring win over any entertaining draw or loss. Hence my Champions League response to the post from Bill.

31 Dec 2025 20:53:44
yeh problem is tom pal. we're not winning anymore. with everything that's come out today its been made clear as day maresca is gone. shame we can't be rid of the idiot directors and eghbali.

31 Dec 2025 22:01:15
My last comments of 2025- I don’t care what anyone thinks.
Maresca is nowhere near a top class coach and never will be- the Pep Lite possession football is boring and stifles our creative players. However, I do have some sympathy for him being overseen by the two Muppets and when he goes I do worry about who might be appointed. No top class manager would want to work under the present setup. So, Sanchez has improved: really. He has obviously been instructed to hoof the ball upfield or throw it out because he has two left feet.

He has no composure or positional sense and flaps around like a half-dead fish on a trawler and when we concede he tries to blame everyone else. Watch the replays of the goals we conceded against Bournemouth yesterday. Garnacho, Gittens, Pedro and Delap are poor signings and wouldn’t start for any top team. The one positive is Estavou but if Maresca stays he be ruined and Palmer will be off.

01 Jan 2026 00:46:44
Sounds like I owe my mate a drink. Good info and dismissed by me.