Chelsea are currently weighing up a trio of potential candidates—Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso—as they search for a successor to Liam Rosenior ahead of the summer. The club’s hierarchy believes that, unlike the previous hiring cycle, the upcoming transfer window will present a broader selection of high‑quality managers willing to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
When Enzo Maresca was appointed in June 2024, the shortlist also included Kieran McKenna, and neither of those two had any prior Premier League experience. This time around, Chelsea appear intent on securing a coach who either already knows the rigours of England’s top flight or has demonstrated success at a comparable level elsewhere. All three names on the current list fit that brief in different ways. Andoni Iraola has announced his intention to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, opening the door for a move to a bigger club.
Xabi Alonso is currently unattached after parting ways with his previous role, while Marco Silva’s contract with Fulham is set to expire in roughly two months, making him a free agent and a plausible target for the Blues. Despite the buzz surrounding these candidates, Chelsea have made it clear they are not in a hurry to appoint a new manager. Interim boss Calum McFarlane will continue to lead the side until the campaign concludes, giving the board ample time to conduct thorough interviews and background checks.
Former player and pundit Paul Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, has expressed skepticism that a "top‑drawer" manager will accept the job in its current state. He argues that the club’s recent managerial turnover and perceived internal issues mean that any incoming coach is likely to feel grateful for the opportunity rather than the club being grateful for their services. Merson suggested that the days of hiring high‑profile figures such as Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte or Thomas Tuchel may be behind Chelsea.
When asked which candidate he would like to see installed, Merson mentioned Eddie Howe as a possible option, noting that the Newcastle United boss has been under pressure at his own club. He went on to explain that Chelsea’s recent performances have been disappointing: the team has been out‑run in every Premier League match this season, a worrying trend given that the squad is one of the youngest in the division. Merson highlighted that the club needs experienced players to complement the youthful core and that a few underperforming individuals should be replaced. The former striker also commented on Iraola’s reputation, describing him as a "very good manager" at Bournemouth.
He warned, however, that any manager stepping into the Chelsea role will inherit a side that has struggled to keep pace with opponents, despite its age profile. The implication is that a new coach will have to overhaul tactics, improve defensive solidity and perhaps bring in seasoned professionals to balance the youthful exuberance. In summary, Chelsea’s shortlist reflects a blend of experience and potential: Iraola brings recent Premier League experience with a club that punched above its weight, Silva offers a proven track record in England’s top tier albeit with a contract soon to lapse, and Alonso provides a fresh perspective after his recent departure from his previous post.
The club’s leadership appears to be taking a measured approach, allowing the current interim manager to finish the season while they assess which candidate best aligns with their long‑term vision. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the negotiations unfold.
The decision will not only shape Chelsea’s tactical direction but also signal the club’s broader strategy regarding managerial appointments—whether they continue to chase marquee names or pivot toward coaches who view the job as a career‑building opportunity in a challenging environment. The upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal for the Blues as they aim to restore stability and competitiveness ahead of the next campaign.