Chelsea are currently evaluating a trio of potential successors to Liam Rosenior as they prepare for the upcoming summer transition. Among the names being discussed are Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, each of whom brings a distinct set of experiences that could align with the club's evolving ambitions.
The Blues anticipate that the market this summer will be richer in high‑quality candidates than it was when they last appointed a manager between seasons. In June 2024, when Enzo Maresca was hired, the shortlist featured Kieran McKenna, and neither of those two had any Premier League experience at the time. This time around, Chelsea appear intent on securing a manager who either already knows the rigours of England's top flight or has a proven record of success at a comparable level.
Andoni Iraola, who has been steering Bournemouth, has indicated his intention to depart the club at the end of the campaign. Xabi Alonso, despite his impressive résumé as a player and a budding coaching career, is currently unattached. Marco Silva, meanwhile, will see his contract with Fulham expire in roughly two months, making him a free agent and a plausible candidate for a swift appointment.
Chelsea are not in a hurry to lock in a replacement. Calum McFarlane will continue to oversee the team until the season concludes, giving the hierarchy ample time to assess each prospect thoroughly.
The club’s leadership has also signalled a desire for a manager who can bring both Premier League know‑how and a track record of delivering results at a high level, rather than simply a name with a big‑ticket reputation. Former player and pundit Paul Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, expressed scepticism that the next head coach will be a "top‑drawer" manager in the traditional sense.
He suggested that the new boss will more likely be someone grateful for the opportunity to lead Chelsea, rather than a manager who feels privileged to be hired by the club. Merson recalled the era of high‑profile appointments such as Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel, and hinted that the club may now be moving away from that model. When asked which candidate he would like to see installed, Merson mentioned Eddie Howe of Newcastle United, noting that the manager was under pressure at his current club.
He argued that the current state of Chelsea – a young squad that has been out‑performed in every Premier League match this season – presents a daunting challenge that could deter some of the most celebrated coaches. "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 league. So for them to be out‑run in every match is worrying." Merson also highlighted structural issues within the squad, suggesting that a few under‑performing players need to be replaced and that the team requires a handful of experienced signings to balance its youthful core.
He warned that the job is a "big, big" undertaking and questioned whether any of the traditionally high‑profile managers would be willing to accept it under the current circumstances. The discussion surrounding the potential appointments underscores a broader shift in Chelsea's recruitment philosophy. While the club has historically attracted marquee names with substantial managerial pedigrees, the present focus seems to be on finding a candidate who can both understand the Premier League environment and is motivated to rebuild a side that has struggled to impose itself despite its talent. In summary, Chelsea's shortlist now includes Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso, each offering a blend of experience, tactical acumen and, in some cases, a fresh perspective.
The club will continue to monitor the situation throughout the remainder of the season, with the ultimate decision likely to be made after careful consideration of the candidates' suitability, their availability and the strategic direction the board wishes to pursue. The upcoming months will reveal whether Chelsea returns to the era of high‑profile appointments or embraces a new generation of managers eager to prove themselves at Stamford Bridge.