Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca: Possible Next Moves After January Premier League Exits

When the Premier League calendar turned to January, few expected two recently appointed managers to already be looking for their next roles. Yet within the opening days of 2026, both Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca found themselves out of work after difficult spells at Manchester United and Chelsea. Their departures sparked immediate debate, not just about what went wrong, but about where each coach might go next.

Neither manager lacks pedigree. Amorim arrived in England with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising coaches, while Maresca had built his standing through tactical work and recent success. Their exits, however, underline how quickly things can shift at the top level of English football. As clubs across Europe weigh up changes for the coming months, attention has already turned to what lies ahead for both men.

Amorim’s Exit and the Question of Resetting His Career

Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United ended abruptly in early January after a run of inconsistent results and growing tension behind the scenes. The club opted for change after deciding that performances and internal relations were no longer moving in the right direction. An interim solution was put in place while United consider their long term direction, leaving Amorim facing a sudden pause in his Premier League journey. Michael Carrick has agreed to take charge of the first team as interim head coach until the end of the 2025–26 season, stepping up from a coaching role after Amorim’s dismissal.

For Amorim, the most discussed option is a return to more familiar ground. Portugal remains a realistic destination, with several clubs expected to review their managerial situations later this year. A move back to a league where his ideas previously brought success could allow him to regain momentum without the constant pressure that comes with managing one of England’s biggest clubs. This route is seen by many as a chance to steady his reputation rather than rush into another high stress role.

There is also interest from other European leagues. Clubs in Germany, Italy and France have been linked in conversation, particularly those looking for a coach comfortable with tactical structure and player development. Amorim is still viewed as a modern coach with clear principles, and his time in England has not erased that perception. A move abroad could offer the space to rebuild confidence and results before considering another Premier League return.

National team football has been mentioned as a longer term possibility, although that path appears less immediate. For now, the priority for Amorim seems to be choosing stability over speed, even if that means stepping out of the spotlight for a short period.

Maresca’s Chelsea Departure and His Appeal to Other Clubs

Enzo Maresca’s exit from Chelsea came just days earlier, following a run of results that left the club drifting and under pressure. While the separation was described as mutual, it reflected a sense that expectations and reality had moved apart. Chelsea’s hierarchy decided a fresh voice was needed, while Maresca was left to consider his next step at just 46. Liam Rosenior has been appointed as the new head coach of Chelsea on a long‑term contract, leaving his role at Strasbourg to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Unlike Amorim, Maresca is widely expected to return to management sooner rather than later. His work at Chelsea, despite the ending, reinforced his reputation as a coach with a clear tactical identity. That makes him attractive to clubs looking for structure rather than quick fixes. Several Premier League sides in the lower half of the table are expected to reassess their situations before the end of the season, and Maresca’s name is already part of that conversation.

A move abroad is also realistic. Italy and Spain are often mentioned, partly because his football education fits well with the tactical culture in those leagues. Clubs aiming for European qualification but not under immediate title pressure could see him as a coach capable of shaping a project over time rather than chasing instant results.

There is also the possibility that Maresca waits until summer, using the break to reassess his priorities. After the intensity of managing Chelsea, stepping back briefly could help him choose a role that better aligns with his long term ambitions rather than reacting to the first opportunity.

Different Paths, Similar Pressure Points

While Amorim and Maresca share the experience of January exits, their situations are not identical. Amorim’s departure felt sharper, influenced by internal dynamics as much as results. Maresca’s exit was more about form and direction, with less suggestion of deeper conflict. These differences are likely to shape how each approaches the next stage of their career.

Premier League clubs remain cautious about re appointing managers so quickly after dismissal, particularly when expectations are high and patience is limited. That reality may push Amorim toward a role outside England, while giving Maresca more scope to stay within the domestic game.

Both coaches also face the modern challenge of perception. In elite football, short spells can quickly define narratives, even when context matters. How Amorim and Maresca respond now will influence whether their January exits are viewed as temporary setbacks or turning points that redirect their careers in a more sustainable way.

What the Coming Months Could Hold

As the season moves toward its final stages, managerial movement is expected to increase. Clubs fighting relegation, chasing Europe or planning rebuilds will all be watching the market closely. Amorim and Maresca remain two of the most recognisable names available, and that alone ensures continued interest.

For Amorim, patience may be the key. A well chosen return, particularly to a familiar environment, could quickly restore confidence and results. For Maresca, the challenge is selecting a role that offers time and trust, avoiding another situation where short term pressure outweighs long term planning.

January has already reshaped their immediate futures. The next few months will determine whether those changes lead to renewed progress or further uncertainty. In modern football, timing matters almost as much as talent, and both men now face defining decisions that will shape the next chapter of their careers.