Sol Campbell: Chelsea will not keep Rosenior in charge for long

Sol Campbell claims that Enzo Maresca left Chelsea because he had already "found a new club".

Maresca resigned as Chelsea manager on New Year's Day, with Campbell believing he left for "another job."

The Italian coach had just led Chelsea to the Club World Cup title at the end of his first season in charge, less than six months before leaving. During his brief tenure in West London, he also won the UEFA Conference League champion, leaving Chelsea fifth in the Premier League.

Chelsea showed great potential early in the season – a 3-0 victory over Spanish champions Barcelona in the Champions League and a brief threat to the title race – but managed only six points in six games in December, trailing title favorites Arsenal by 15 points.

However, a bigger problem seemed to lie in the growing tension between Maresca and the Stamford Bridge board. Chelsea had planned to assess Maresca's future at the end of the season but ultimately decided to terminate the partnership early on New Year's Day, appointing Liam Rosenior as his successor.

Campbell questioned Maresca's decision to leave Chelsea, suggesting that given his decisive attitude, he must have "made other plans."

Reports suggest Enzo Maresca is a potential replacement for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, but the legendary coach still has a year and a half left on his contract with the Blue Moon. Meanwhile, Manchester United have also been linked with Maresca following the sacking of Ruben Amorin last week.

“I just think Enzo Maresca has already found a new club,” former Arsenal and England defender Campbell told Sky Sports Betting. “You don’t give up a position easily unless you have something else in mind.”

“Chelsea have a great group of young players, and the club is moving in the right direction. What could have made him unhappy and led him to leave? Clearly, he has found a new club – or at least has potential targets.”

Rosenior led Chelsea to a comfortable 5-1 FA Cup victory over Championship side Charlton in his first game in charge. The former Premier League defender, who previously played for Hull City, Fulham, and Reading, was signed by Chelsea from their sister club Strasbourg.

Rosenior's performance at the French Ligue 1 club has been impressive, but his only previous managerial experience was at Hull City in the Championship.

Campbell understands why Chelsea chose Rosenior as Maresca's successor, but he doesn't believe the 41-year-old will stay at Stamford Bridge for long.

“It’s a good thing that Liam Rosenior has become Chelsea’s new manager,” Campbell added. “Mainly because Todd Boehly also owns Strasbourg.”

“They’ll say, ‘He’s doing a great job – bring him to Chelsea.’ So, it’s a good opportunity for him.”

“It’s good to have a young manager in the league. But I don’t think Chelsea will keep him long-term; he’ll definitely be just a transitional figure.”

“However, it’s valuable experience for him. He can gain some experience managing in the top flight and see just how difficult the Premier League is. This will be very helpful for his future development. I wish him good luck in the coming days.”

Rosenior’s real test as Chelsea manager will come on Wednesday when the Blues face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final.