Chelsea has begun reaching out to potential managerial options as they continue their pursuit of a new permanent head coach following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal last month. The club is aiming to complete the appointment comfortably before pre-season preparations begin in early July, giving the new manager time to settle before the next campaign.
Chelsea has begun reaching out to potential managerial options as they continue their pursuit of a new permanent head coach following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal last month. The club is aiming to complete the appointment comfortably before pre-season preparations begin in early July, giving the new manager time to settle before the next campaign.
Several names are already under consideration, with Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso, and Marco Silva among the leading figures previously linked to the vacancy. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is also believed to be part of Chelsea’s thinking as the club evaluates multiple candidates.
In addition to those established options, former Chelsea players Filipe Luís and Cesc Fabregas are also admired internally. Luis most recently managed Flamengo, while Fabregas is currently in charge at Como.
A significant factor in Chelsea’s planning is that several of their preferred targets are either already unattached or expected to be available by the end of the season. This situation could allow the club to avoid paying compensation fees in order to secure their preferred choice.
Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, stepped down from his role as Real Madrid manager in January and is said to feel positive about his prospects, although Chelsea sources continue to stress that no frontrunner has yet emerged.
Glasner is preparing to leave Crystal Palace when his current deal ends this summer and is understood to be willing to remain in English football, potentially making him a realistic option for Stamford Bridge.
Iraola has already confirmed he will leave Bournemouth once the season concludes, placing him firmly among the most in-demand coaches on the market. Crystal Palace views the Spaniard as their leading choice to succeed Glasner and has reportedly already engaged in extensive discussions with him.
Despite Palace’s strong interest, Chelsea are also firmly in the picture, leaving Iraola to carefully assess his next step. Sources suggest the 43-year-old may even choose to begin next season without a club, preserving flexibility in case an attractive opportunity arises later in the campaign.
His willingness to remain patient could complicate Chelsea’s hopes of making a swift appointment, even as they push to finalise their decision before July.
Marco Silva’s current agreement with Fulham runs out this summer, adding another layer of intrigue to Chelsea’s search. Fulham have proposed a new three-year contract in an effort to retain him, but his future remains unresolved.
The Portuguese coach is also believed to have opportunities overseas, while Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly interested should he depart Craven Cottage.
As Chelsea continues its evaluation, Silva remains one of several viable contenders in an increasingly open race to take charge at Stamford Bridge.
