Overview
- Real Madrid confirmed Xabi Alonso’s departure hours after a 3-2 Supercopa defeat to Barcelona.
- A major bookmaker has shortened Enzo Maresca to 1/1 as the leading candidate to replace Alonso, with Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane priced longer.
- Chelsea announced Maresca’s exit on January 1 following a breakdown with the board and appointed Liam Rosenior on a six-and-a-half-year deal reportedly running to 2032.
- Reporting says Chelsea sent Maresca a formal letter over responsibilities and put head of physical performance Bryce Cavanagh on the bench to advise on minutes for returning players.
- Maresca had publicly spoken of his “worst 48 hours” and a lack of support at Chelsea, and reports indicated he held talks with Manchester City during the period.