Enzo Maresca now in pole position to secure new manager’s job after odds slashed
Enzo Maresca has been touted for a new job already, just days after he parted ways with Chelsea.
Chelsea confirmed the departure of Maresca on New Year’s Day, after the relationship between the manager and the board had broken down.
The Italian had publicly criticised those above him in the weeks leading up to his exit, citing a lack of support.
Chelsea hired Liam Rosenior to replace Maresca, with the former Hull City manager having been known to the ownership already due to his exploits at Strasbourg.
Rosenior‘s first game in charge saw Chelsea beat Charlton Athletic 5-1, but harsher tests are set to arrive in the coming weeks.
Enzo Maresca leads race to replace Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid on Monday, a statement confirmed. The Spaniard’s job had been under threat for some time, but Sunday’s events saw action taken.
Los Blancos were beaten 3-2 by Barcelona in the Supercupa de Espana final, with Raphinha‘s second-half winner proving the difference between the sides.
The killer moment came after the final whistle, however, when Alonso attempted to encourage his players give their opponents a guard of honour.
But the Spaniard was undermined completely, in a moment that perfectly portrayed how he has struggled to deal with the big personalities at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius Junior is one player that Alonso has had problems dealing with, with the winger reportedly promising that he would not sign a new contract should the manager remain in charge.
Real Madrid confirmed that Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over following the 44-year-old’s departure, although it is unclear if he is seen as a long-term replacement.
Should he not, Maresca has been named the favourite for the Real Madrid job at 1/1 by one major bookmaker, leading the likes of Jurgen Klopp (4/1) and Zinedine Zidane (6/1).
Carlo Ancelotti gave Maresca advice
Chelsea and Real Madrid met in pre-season of the 2024-25 season, with the Spanish side emerging narrow winners.
Speaking later that year, Maresca told Sky Sports that former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti gave him advice.
“I worked under Carlo when I was a player, so I know how good he is,” he said. “In the pre-season, he gave me a tactical advice.
“We were playing with a high line, and he said to me ‘if I could give you an advice, drop the line, because it is too high’.“
Ancelotti managed Real Madrid after managing Chelsea – now it is time to see if Maresca will follow the same path.