Porto boss Francesco Farioli has ruled himself out from replacing Enzo Maresca as Chelsea head coach.

The Italian was appointed by the Liga Portugal side last summer, and he has gone on to win 15 of his first 16 league games in charge, with his only dropped points coming against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica back in October.

Farioli was mentioned as a potential candidate for the Chelsea job by The Telegraph, but when speaking to fans last night, the 36-year-old made his stance clear:

“We continue together.”

Who is the top contender for the Chelsea job?

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has declared that Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior is the “leading candidate” to succeed Maresca.

The former Hull City boss has done well at Strasbourg, guiding them to a 7th-place finish in his first season in charge. His side are also currently top of the Conference League table.

However, many fans would be disappointed if Rosenior gets the job. He has no experience managing a high-profile team, while many feel that his appointment would cement the control of the club’s two unpopular sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart.

Are any other names under consideration?

Anyone hoping for a high-profile manager such as Zinedine Zidane, Xavi or even Jurgen Klopp will be left disappointed. The Blues want a man who will toe the party line.

In addition to Rosenior and Farioli, the likes of Como head coach Cesc Fabregas and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola have also been suggested as possibled options. Any approach for Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner has, though, been ruled out.

Rosenior does appear destined to take the hotseat at the moment. He is unlikely to be in the dugout when Chelsea take on Manchester City this weekend, but things are expected to move quickly. Who do you think should replace Maresca? Take part in our poll below: