Five contenders for new Chelsea manager revealed

What next for Chelsea after they decided to sack Liam Rosenior after just four months in charge, following a run of five consecutive defeats without scoring a single goal ?

The Englishman was appointed Chelsea head coach following the departure of Enzo Maresca in early January, signing a six-year contract running until 2032.

However, after a promising start to his tenure, his side began to struggle and have since slipped to seventh in the table, with Champions League qualification now looking increasingly unlikely.

Callum MacFarlane is set to take interim charge for the remainder of the season, but who could Chelsea turn to next in the summer as they search for a permanent appointment?

1- Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso endured a challenging seven-month spell in charge of Real Madrid which ended in January 2026. However, the Spaniard oversaw a remarkably successful spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen prior to his move to Madrid. Alonso led Leverkusen to an unprecedented domestic double in the 2023/24, winning the league undefeated and bringing an end to Bayern Munich’s 12-year stranglehold on the title. The 44-year-old is still in the early stages of his managerial career but has already shown great promise, with a style of play that is likely to excite the Stamford Bridge faithful. His Leverkusen side were front-footed, dynamic, but also controlled and extremely well-organised. The former Liverpool midfielder has been linked with a return to Anfield in the future, but with Arne Slot still in charge, there appears to be little immediate room for Alonso to take over the reins.

2- Cesc Fabregas

From one former Spanish midfielder to another, Cesc Fabregas has impressed in his first managerial role at Como, in Italy’s Serie A. The Spaniard won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge and has already been among the names linked with the vacant Chelsea position, with supporters hoping he could bring back the same winning mentality he once embodied as a player. Fabregas has guided Como to fifth in the table this season, in line for a Europa League spot or even better. It is a remarkable achievement for a side who were in the second division only two years ago. It would certainly be a risk to appoint the inexperienced Spaniard, however his history with the club could make him an appealing, romantic choice for supporters hoping for a return to better times.

3- Filipe Luis

Another former Chelsea player who has emerged as a leading candidate for the managerial role is Brazilian Filipe Luís. While he played a far less prominent role than Fabregas, Luís was also part of the title-winning Chelsea side of 2014/15, his only season at Stamford Bridge before returning to Atlético Madrid. After ending his playing career in 2023, the Brazilian began his managerial career in the Flamengo youth set-up before being appointed their first team manager in 2024. In his first year in charge, he secured the Copa do Brasil title before going on to win the Copa Libertadores the following year. However, despite two trophies and an extremely impressive reign at the Brazilian club, Luis was sacked in March earlier this year.

4- Andoni Iraola

The current Bournemouth manager recently announced he will be departing the Vitality Stadium, when his contract expires this summer. The Spaniard has done an incredible job at Bournemouth, transforming them from relegation candidates to chasing European football. The 43-year-old’s managerial career began in 2018 when he took charge of Cypriot side AEK Larnaca, before returning to Spain to manage both Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano, prior to his eventual move to Bournemouth. The Spaniard is likely to be a top candidate, given he already holds Premier League experience. His Bournemouth side could even leapfrog Chelsea in the table this season.

5- Oliver Glasner

Similar to Iraola, Glasner earlier announced that his time at Selhurst Park would be coming to an end this summer. The German has enjoyed a dream spell in south London, delivering Crystal Palace their first-ever major trophy as they lifted the FA Cup last season, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the Final. Palace also kicked off this season by winning the Community Shield against Liverpool. This season has been slightly less successful than last, but Glasner’s side have remained solid nonetheless, with no relegation fears, and his proven Premier League track record could make him an appealing target.