Chelsea are currently weighing up a trio of high‑profile candidates—Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and former Spanish international Xabi Alonso—as potential successors to Liam Rosenior for the summer. The club’s hierarchy believes that the upcoming transfer window will present a richer selection of top‑tier managers than the pool they had to choose from when they appointed a new boss between seasons last time around. When Enzo Maresca was handed the reins in June 2024, the shortlist also included Kieran McKenna, and at that point neither applicant had any Premier League experience. This time around, Chelsea appear intent on securing a manager who either brings proven Premier League credentials or has demonstrated success at a high level elsewhere.
According to recent reports, Iraola has confirmed his intention to leave Bournemouth at the end of the campaign, Alonso is currently unattached after parting ways with his previous role, and Silva’s contract with Fulham is set to expire in just a couple of months. Despite these developments, the Blues are not in a hurry to appoint a new head coach; interim manager Calum McFarlane is expected to remain at the helm until the season concludes. Former England international Paul Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, expressed skepticism that a "top‑drawer" manager will take the job.
He suggested that any incoming coach will likely be grateful for the opportunity rather than the club being grateful for his services. Merson argued that the era of big‑name appointments—think Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte or Thomas Tuchel—has effectively ended at Stamford Bridge. When asked which name he would like to see installed as Chelsea’s next manager, Merson told Sky Sports News: "I hear a few Newcastle fans talking about Eddie Howe being under pressure.
I'd take Eddie Howe." He went on to explain his viewpoint, saying that the current state of the club and its internal operations mean that any manager who arrives will be doing so out of gratitude for the chance to work at a historic institution, rather than the club courting a high‑profile figure. Merson also weighed in on the current squad, noting that Chelsea have been out‑performed in every Premier League match this season despite fielding one of the youngest line‑ups in the division. He highlighted that the team’s youthfulness should be an asset, not a liability, and that the consistent defeats point to deeper issues that need addressing.
According to him, a new manager will have to tackle a lack of experience among the players and make decisive changes to the roster, bringing in seasoned professionals to balance the youthful exuberance. "Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth is a very good manager, but these kinds of managers will come and look at Chelsea and see a side that has been outrun in every single game," Merson said.
"This is not an ageing football team; this is one of the youngest teams in the Premier League. So for them to get outrun in every single football match is worrying, so I think top, top managers will look at that and think there's a lot to be done." He further elaborated that the club needs to strengthen several positions, suggesting that a few current squad members may not belong and should be replaced with players who can provide the necessary experience and quality.
"They need a couple of experienced players. There are a few players who shouldn't be there. They need players in," Merson asserted.
Merson concluded by emphasizing the magnitude of the role, stating, "This is a big, big job and I'm not sure one of the big, big boys will take it." His remarks capture a broader sentiment among fans and pundits that Chelsea’s managerial search may shift from chasing marquee names to finding a coach who is both willing and capable of rebuilding a youthful side under challenging circumstances. In summary, Chelsea’s shortlist now includes Andoni Iraola, who is set to depart Bournemouth; Xabi Alonso, currently without a club; and Marco Silva, whose contract with Fulham ends shortly. While the club appears to be looking for someone with Premier League experience or a proven track record at a high level, there is also a growing narrative that the next manager will need to be grateful for the opportunity and prepared to overhaul a squad that, despite its youth, has struggled to compete consistently. The final decision is expected to be taken after the season ends, with Calum McFarlane steering the team in the interim.