Chelsea's Sporting Director Model and Potential Coaching Changes
Chelsea Football Club operates a five-sporting-director model led by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, which avoids concentrating power in a single individual. This structure aims to promote shared responsibility and support high-caliber staff such as Joe Shields, Sam Jewell, and Dave Fallows to build long-term stability within the club.
Enzo Maresca was dismissed after 18 months in charge. Chelsea has stated that his departure was due to fit within this broader structure rather than a failure of the model itself. Reports suggest disputes arose because Maresca was not permitted to override medical advice on players. Under his tenure, recruitment was tailored to his style, with signings including Garnacho, Neto, and Delap. However, Chelsea emphasizes that decision-making is not a dictatorship and the club cannot be manipulated by any individual.
Since ownership by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital commenced in 2022, Chelsea has seen five permanent head coaches. Despite a recent poor run—positioned fifth in the league after one win in seven games—the club views the current season as part of a long-term project. They reject notions of panic or immediate pressure to contend for the title.
Insider sources note that Maresca's exit does not represent a shift away from the five-director model. Chelsea had assessed relevant data and believed Maresca was moving in the right direction, choosing not to dismiss him earlier.
Looking ahead, Liam Rosenior, currently at Strasbourg—a club partnering with Chelsea—is viewed as a potential next coach. If appointed, he would lead players such as Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and Estêvão Willian, contingent upon BlueCo dealings.
