Chelsea hunt for new manager: Three names on shortlist after Rosenior sacking

April 29, 2026 Oliver Obel

The chaos continues at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are searching for a new permanent manager. The club has already contacted one of the candidates, after Liam Rosenior was sacked earlier in April after just over three months in charge.

Rosenior's departure came in the wake of a catastrophic run of five consecutive defeats, where the team failed to score a single goal. First-team coach Calum McFarlane has since taken temporary charge for the second time this season, but behind the scenes, Chelsea's five sporting directors are working intensely to find a long-term solution.

Iraola, Silva, and Alonso in Contention

According to football.london, Chelsea has already approached Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard is expected to leave his post at Dean Court this summer after three years at the club. Iraola himself has stated that it is "the right time to step away" from Bournemouth.

Iraola has a strong connection to Athletic Bilbao, where he came through the youth academy and spent 12 years in the first team as a player. He has also been heavily linked with the soon-to-be vacant role at the Basque club. At Bournemouth, he has proven his worth by leading the team to a 12th-place finish in his debut season and a 9th-place finish the following season. The team is also on track for an even higher position this current season, even after losing key players last summer.

Also on Chelsea's shortlist is Fulham manager Marco Silva. Sky Sports reports that Silva is one of the candidates being considered. The Portuguese's contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of June, and he has not yet agreed to an extension with Fulham.

The third name on the list is former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso signed a three-year contract at the Bernabeu last summer but was sacked by Real Madrid in January. Real Madrid is reportedly only paying Alonso until the end of this season, potentially making him an attractive candidate.

Alonso has previously been linked with a return to Liverpool, where Arne Slot's job is reportedly secured if "The Reds" qualify for next season's Champions League. Liverpool is currently in fourth place in the Premier League and eight points ahead of Brighton in sixth place with four games remaining, meaning they are well on their way to securing a spot in Europe's finest club competition.

Chelsea is busy finding a permanent solution, but an appointment will not take place until the end of the season.

Sources: www.sportbible.com, www.football.london