Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea, following weeks of speculation.

The former Leicester manager took over in 2024 and guided the Blues to the Europa Conference League title last season.

However, in recent weeks, Maresca’s relationship with the board has deteriorated.

Maresca even publicly chastised Chelsea’s owners for failing to back him in December.

The Italian’s stint at the London club has come to an end, and Frank Lampard is an outsider to succeed him at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard 14/1 to succeed Enzo Maresca

Chelsea confirmed on January 1 that they have severed ways with Maresca.

As a result, the Blues will be looking for a new manager as they pursue Champions League qualification.

Club statement: Enzo Maresca.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 1, 2026

Xavi, who has been devoid of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024, has been touted as a potential Chelsea candidate.

Lampard, according to one bookmaker, is a long shot to return to Stamford Bridge for a third time in the dugout.

Previously, the former Blues player served as caretaker manager from 2019-21 and again in 2023, with the latter being a complete failure.

Lampard took over Chelsea in 2019, following a good time at Derby.

However, following a strong first season in which he led the Blues back into the Champions League, he was fired midway through the 2020-21 campaign.
Lampard’s caretaker term in 2023 was a failure, with only one win out of eleven matches.
Nonetheless, Lampard has rekindled his management career in recent years, with the former England player set to lead Coventry City back to the Premier League this season.

Lampard is now 14/1 to return to Chelsea, making him the joint seventh favourite for the position.

Who else has been associated with the Chelsea job?
While Xavi remains the favourite, Marco Silva and Liam Rosenior are also regarded as contenders at 6/1 and 7/1, respectively.

Current Premier League managers Oliver Glasner and Unai Emery are also in contention, with both listed at 8/1.