Iraola Leads Chelsea Manager Shortlist as Rosenior Era Ends

Chelsea have moved swiftly to begin their search for a new permanent manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior on Wednesday. The former Hull City and Strasbourg boss paid the price for a disastrous run that saw the Blues lose five straight top-flight matches without scoring a goal.

With the club languishing seven points adrift of Liverpool and Champions League qualification in fifth place, and facing Leeds in an FA Cup semi-final this Sunday, Calum McFarlane will step into the breach for a second interim spell this season.

Andoni Iraola has emerged as the standout candidate for the vacancy. The Bournemouth manager announced his intention to leave the club at the campaign's end and now finds himself firmly in the frame at Stamford Bridge.

According to reports, Chelsea's ownership have identified ten potential targets as they embark on their search for a fifth permanent manager since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took control in 2022. No formal conversations have yet been initiated with any candidates.

The shortlist reportedly includes Eddie Howe, Porto's Francesco Fariola, former Chelsea defender Felipe Luis, and ex-Borussia Dortmund chief Edin Terzic—all of whom have previously featured in club discussions. Oliver Glasner, who will become available this summer, is also among those being considered, as is Marco Silva of Fulham, though the Portuguese coach remains uncommitted on a new deal at Craven Cottage.

The club has distanced itself from speculation linking them with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, PSG's Luis Enrique, and Como's Cesc Fabregas. Nagelsmann was part of the process that led to Mauricio Pochettino's appointment but was deemed unsuitable at the time, with the German coach also reportedly unconvinced by Chelsea's operational model. Luis Enrique is expected to extend his PSG contract, whilst Fabregas remains focused on Como's European qualification hopes despite harbouring longer-term ambitions in English football.

Chelsea's decision to remove Rosenior has been attributed to a loss of confidence among senior players, with sources suggesting the 41-year-old had lost the dressing room. The club's hierarchy acknowledged that missteps have been made throughout the season, not merely in the managerial appointment, and are determined to learn from those errors.

The immediate priority is restoring stability and creating the right conditions for the squad to mount a strong finish to the campaign, both domestically and in the cup competition. Players and staff were informed of the decision before the public announcement.