Chelsea are currently weighing several high‑profile candidates as they search for a new head coach to succeed Liam Rosenior this coming summer. Among the names being discussed are former player‑turned‑manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham boss Marco Silva, and former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder‑turned‑coach Xabi Alonso. The club believes that, unlike the previous hiring cycle, a larger pool of experienced, top‑level managers will be available when they make their decision. When Enzo Maresca was appointed in June 2024, the shortlist also included Kieran McKenna, and at that time neither candidate had any Premier League experience.
This summer, however, Chelsea’s board is signalling a clear preference for a manager who either has already proven himself in England’s top flight or has a solid record of success at a high‑level club abroad. The shift reflects a desire to bring in someone who can hit the ground running and navigate the unique pressures of managing a club with Chelsea’s stature and expectations. Andoni Iraola has indicated that he will step down from his role at Bournemouth at the end of the season, making him available for a new challenge. Xabi Alonso is currently without a club following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, and Marco Silva’s contract with Fulham is set to expire in roughly two months, meaning all three are free agents in the near future.
Despite the availability of these candidates, Chelsea are not in a hurry to appoint a successor; interim manager Calum McFarlane will remain at the helm until the season concludes. Former England international Paul Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, expressed skepticism that the club will attract a "top‑drawer" manager in the traditional sense. He argued that the modern reality is that prospective coaches are more likely to be grateful for the opportunity to work at Chelsea rather than the club being grateful to secure a marquee name. Merson suggested that the days of hiring high‑profile figures such as Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti may be behind them.
When asked which manager he would like to see take the job, Merson mentioned Eddie Howe, noting that the Newcastle United boss is reportedly under pressure at his current club. He said, "I hear a few Newcastle fans about Eddie Howe being under pressure. I'd take Eddie Howe." Merson also highlighted the challenges facing Chelsea at the moment. He pointed out that the team has been "outrun" in every Premier League match this season, a worrying trend given that the squad is one of the youngest in the division.
He argued that a new manager would need to address both tactical and personnel issues, including bringing in experienced players to complement the youthful core and possibly off‑loading those who do not fit the club’s long‑term plan. The former striker emphasized that the job is "big, big" and that it may deter some of the most celebrated managers from applying. He believes that the club’s recent performance—being outplayed in each league fixture—will make any top‑level coach think twice before committing, especially when the squad’s age profile suggests a need for significant development and strategic sign‑ins. In summary, Chelsea’s shortlist now includes Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso, all of whom are poised to become available soon.
The club’s leadership appears to be shifting its focus toward candidates with Premier League experience or a proven record at elite clubs, while also acknowledging that the role may appeal more to managers who are eager to prove themselves at a storied institution rather than those seeking a trophy‑laden resume. As the season draws to a close, interim boss Calum McFarlane will steer the team, and the final decision on the permanent head coach will likely be made after a thorough evaluation of each candidate’s suitability to restore Chelsea’s competitive edge and guide the young squad back to consistent success.