Overview
- Chelsea lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge as Ollie Watkins scored twice, leaving the Blues with one win in six league games and three points off the Champions League places.
- Former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea have contingency plans and view Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as a potential long-term successor, a claim not confirmed by the club.
- One major bookmaker cut the odds on Maresca being the next Premier League manager to leave to 9/1 following the defeat, signaling rising expectation of change rather than any official decision.
- Maresca’s recent comment about enduring the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure has added to scrutiny of his position, with no formal update from Chelsea on his status.
- Ex-club executive Keith Wyness said Maresca would be considered to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in the future, presenting opinion-based speculation tied to his prior roles at the club.