Chelsea are reportedly weighing up several high‑profile candidates as they search for a new permanent manager to replace Liam Rosenior after the summer. Among the names being discussed are former player‑turned‑coach Andoni Iraola, Fulham boss Marco Silva and former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder‑turned‑manager Xabi Alonso. The club believes that, unlike the previous hiring cycle when they appointed Enzo Maresca in June 2024, there will be a broader selection of experienced, top‑level managers available this summer.
When Maresca was appointed, the shortlist also featured Kieran McKenna, and at that time neither candidate had any Premier League experience. This time around, Chelsea appear to be aiming for a manager who either has already worked in England’s top flight or has a proven record of success at a high‑level club elsewhere.
The board’s shift in criteria reflects a desire to bring in someone who can immediately compete at the highest level and perhaps steady a side that has struggled to keep pace with its rivals. Andoni Iraola, who has been at Bournemouth since taking over in 2022, has indicated that he intends to leave the club at the end of the season.
His tenure at the Cherries has been marked by an attractive, possession‑based style and the development of several young players, but the team has also suffered a series of disappointing results, often being out‑run in the closing stages of matches. Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, is currently unattached after parting ways with Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the side to a Champions League final and a Bundesliga title. His tactical acumen and reputation for building cohesive, attacking teams have made him a coveted name across Europe.
Marco Silva’s contract with Fulham expires in a few weeks, and his spell at Craven Cottage has seen the club secure a respectable mid‑table finish, albeit with occasional defensive frailties that have drawn criticism. Chelsea are not in a hurry to make a final decision.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane will continue to oversee the squad until the season concludes, giving the club time to conduct a thorough search. The club’s hierarchy has signalled that they prefer a candidate who can bring both Premier League experience and a clear vision for rebuilding a squad that, despite being one of the youngest in the division, has been consistently out‑performed by opponents. Former Chelsea midfielder Paul Merson, a vocal supporter of the club, expressed skepticism that a "top‑drawer" manager will accept the role. He suggested that future appointments are likely to be managers who are grateful for the opportunity rather than those who view Chelsea as a career pinnacle.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Merson said, "I hear a few Newcastle fans about Eddie Howe being under pressure. I'd take Eddie Howe.
My problem is at Chelsea now, and the way it is and the way it's all run is I think they'll always be getting a manager that's grateful to manage Chelsea, instead of a top‑drawer manager." Merson went on to reflect on the club’s recent history, noting that the era of hiring marquee names such as Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti may be over. He argued that the current situation at Stamford Bridge – a team that has been outrun in virtually every Premier League match this season – will deter the very elite managers who prefer stable, well‑run environments. "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," Merson said. According to Merson, the squad needs a few experienced heads to guide the younger players, and there are several individuals who may not belong in the first‑team setup. He believes that the incoming manager will have to make decisive signings and perhaps off‑load some underperforming players to restore balance.
"They need a couple of experienced players. There are a few players who shouldn't be there.
They need players in. This is a big, big job and I'm not sure one of the big, big boys will take it," he added.
In summary, Chelsea's shortlist now includes Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso, each bringing a different blend of experience, tactical philosophy and managerial pedigree. The club is taking a measured approach, allowing the current interim coach to finish the season while the board conducts a comprehensive evaluation. Whether the final appointment will be a high‑profile figure eager to add another trophy cabinet or a grateful manager looking for a fresh challenge remains to be seen, but the pressure to reverse the team's fortunes is mounting as the summer transfer window approaches.