Five contenders for new Chelsea manager revealed
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.