Chelsea have identified three prominent candidates—Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and former midfielder Xabi Alonso—as potential successors to Liam Rosenior, should the club decide to make a change this summer. The Blues believe that the upcoming transfer window will present a richer selection of high‑profile managers than the pool they faced when they appointed a new boss between seasons in the past. When Enzo Maresca was hired in June 2024, the shortlist also featured Kieran McKenna, and neither of those candidates had any Premier League experience at the time.
This time around, Chelsea are keen to target a manager who either already knows the rigours of the English top flight or has demonstrated success at a comparable level elsewhere. The three names currently circulating each bring a distinct set of credentials.
Andoni Iraola, who has been linked with a move away from Bournemouth, has earned a reputation for building organized, defensively solid sides that also play attractive football. Xabi Alonso, despite being out of work after his recent spell, is a former world‑class player with a growing coaching résumé that includes a Champions League triumph as a manager.
Marco Silva, meanwhile, will see his contract with Fulham expire in a matter of weeks, leaving him free to explore new challenges. Chelsea are not in a hurry to appoint a replacement; interim head coach Calum McFarlane will continue to steer the team until the season concludes.
This measured approach gives the club time to assess each candidate thoroughly and to negotiate terms that align with their long‑term vision. Former England international Paul Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, has expressed scepticism about the club landing a "top‑drawer" manager in the near future. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Merson suggested that the modern Chelsea environment may only attract managers who are grateful for the opportunity rather than those who view the job as a career pinnacle. He referenced the club's recent history of hiring high‑profile figures such as Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel, and hinted that those days might be behind them.
Merson also named Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe as a manager he would like to see take the Chelsea job, noting that Howe is currently under pressure at his own club. He argued that the current state of Chelsea—being out‑performed in every Premier League match this season despite having one of the youngest squads in the league—makes the role both a daunting challenge and an attractive project for a manager eager to prove themselves. "Chelsea have been outrun every single Premier League game this season," Merson said. "How do you turn that around?
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 managers will look at that and think there's a lot to be done." Merson went on to highlight specific squad issues that any incoming manager would need to address. He pointed out that the team lacks a few experienced heads in the dressing room and that certain players may not belong in the current setup. "They need a couple of experienced players.
There are a few players who shouldn't be there. They need players in," he explained, underscoring the importance of strategic recruitment to complement the youthful core. The discussion around potential appointments also touches on the broader strategic direction of the club.
Chelsea's ownership has signalled a desire to build a sustainable model, balancing big‑money signings with the development of academy talent. A manager with Premier League experience could help bridge the gap between youthful exuberance and the tactical discipline required to compete consistently at the highest level.
If Iraola were to take the helm, he would bring a track record of improving Bournemouth's defensive organization while encouraging a proactive attacking style. His experience in the Championship and his recent Premier League exposure could prove valuable in navigating the rigours of a demanding schedule. Silva, on the other hand, has demonstrated an ability to get the best out of limited resources at Fulham, guiding them to respectable finishes and occasional upsets against bigger clubs. His tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt formations could suit a Chelsea side that needs to find a balance between possession‑based play and defensive solidity.
Alonso's appeal lies in his deep understanding of the game from a player’s perspective, combined with a growing coaching philosophy that emphasizes high‑pressing and quick transitions. Although his managerial résumé is still relatively brief, his rapid rise at Bayer Leverkusen—where he secured a Champions League final appearance—shows a capacity to compete at the highest echelons of European football.
Overall, Chelsea's shortlist reflects a blend of seasoned Premier League knowledge, fresh tactical ideas, and a willingness to embrace managers who are eager to prove themselves on a big stage. As the season draws to a close, the club will weigh each candidate's experience, philosophy, and ability to work within the financial framework set by the owners. Whether the next head coach will be a high‑profile name or a grateful manager looking for a career‑defining opportunity remains to be seen, but the conversation is already shaping the future direction of one of England's most storied clubs.