Chelsea FC manager search after Liam Rosenior firing April 2026

Chelsea FC is searching for a new manager after Liam Rosenior left the club in April 2026. This is the second time this season the club has needed a new leader.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

Key Names Emerge as Blues Seek Stability

Chelsea FC appears to be navigating a complex and at times contradictory search for a permanent head coach, with a shifting shortlist of candidates emerging following the abrupt dismissal of Liam Rosenior. Reports indicate that Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Xabi Alonso are prominent figures being considered for the vacant Stamford Bridge role. The club, which has seen multiple managerial changes and currently has Calum McFarlane serving as interim manager for the second time this season, is reportedly seeking a manager with top-level experience.

Chelsea is actively assessing a pool of potential managers, with Iraola, Silva, and Alonso featuring heavily in current discussions.

The pursuit of these candidates is unfolding against a backdrop of a "turbulent season" and a "period of self-reflection" for the club's ownership, BlueCo. Notably, both Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso share the same representation, suggesting a coordinated approach to exploring their availability and intentions.

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The Contenders: A Spectrum of Possibilities

  • Andoni Iraola: Currently managing Bournemouth, Iraola has announced his departure at the end of the season, making him a readily available option. However, any move for him might see Chelsea competing with Crystal Palace, who are also reportedly interested.

  • Marco Silva: The Fulham manager is also reportedly out of contract this summer, placing him on Chelsea's radar. His experience in the Premier League is seen as a potential asset.

  • Xabi Alonso: Having left Real Madrid in January, Alonso is currently without a club. His name is frequently mentioned as a "dream target" and a manager with the potential to implement a "visionary" approach. However, convincing him to take on the current Chelsea project is described as a "massive long shot."

Other Names Circulating

While Iraola, Silva, and Alonso appear to be the most consistently cited names, other managers have also been mentioned in connection with the Chelsea job. These include Ruben Amorim, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, and Edin Terzic. Some reports also suggested Felipe Luis, Sebastian Hoeness, and Cesc Fabregas as potential candidates on Chelsea's radar at various points.

Rosenior's Short Stint and the Club's Frustration

Liam Rosenior's tenure was notably brief, lasting "less than four months" after signing a "shocking six-year deal." His dismissal followed a "deplorable run of results," with the club stating that "results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards." Rosenior himself described the team's display as "indefensible" and "unacceptable," a sentiment seemingly echoed by the club's hierarchy and a frustrated fanbase. The club's pursuit of a new manager comes as Champions League qualification appears increasingly out of reach for the current season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Chelsea FC fire manager Liam Rosenior in April 2026?
Chelsea fired Liam Rosenior because the team had very bad results and played poorly for several months. The club said his performance was below the standards they need to reach for the Champions League.
Q: Who is the interim manager for Chelsea FC right now?
Calum McFarlane is serving as the interim manager for Chelsea FC as of 28 April 2026. This is the second time this season that he has taken this temporary role while the club looks for a permanent coach.
Q: Which managers are on the Chelsea FC shortlist to replace Liam Rosenior?
The club is looking at Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Xabi Alonso as top candidates. Other names like Ruben Amorim, Thomas Frank, and Roberto De Zerbi have also been mentioned by experts.
Q: Is Xabi Alonso going to be the next Chelsea FC manager?
While Xabi Alonso is a dream target for the club, it is considered a very difficult move to make. He is currently without a club, but convincing him to join the Chelsea project is seen as a massive long shot.