Just 106 days into his six-and-a-half year deal, Liam Rosenior was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday evening – becoming the fifth permanent manager to lose his job in less than four years of BlueCo ownership.
The Blues have fallen apart in recent weeks, losing five Premier League games in a row without scoring to raise the possibility that they may fail to qualify for any European competition next season.
Former Under-21s boss Calum McFarlane has been appointed as interim boss until the end of the season – after two games in the role in January – and faces a battle to save Chelsea’s season amid rising fan discontent.
After that, a huge summer will follow for the club’s hierarchy, who have hinted they will look to bring in more experience following their youthful approach over recent years.
Several managers have already been touted to replace Rosenior as Chelsea aim to return to a more stable and successful base over the coming years.
In light of that, Daily Mail Sport has taken a look at the bookies’ favourites to take the permanent job via Sky Bet, and examined whether they would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge…
Liam Rosenior was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday, just 106 days after taking on the role
Former Under-21 manager Calum McFarlane has been put in interim charge until the summer
Filipe Luis – 13/8
A surprise name at the top of the favourites list, Filipe Luis gained plaudits for his work with Brazilian giants Flamengo where he won seven trophies in under two years, including the Copa Libertadores in 2025.
He is viewed as a hugely promising young coach and his intelligent approach to the game is one trait that has been praised.
Luis’ past connection to Chelsea, albeit just 26 appearances in 2014-15, strengthens his case, but he remains relatively inexperienced.
In fact, a major stumbling block may be the fact that he has yet to complete his UEFA Pro Licence, meaning he is currently unable to manage a team in the Premier League or in European competitions.
Filipe Luis is the bookies’ favourite after his impressive work with Flamengo in Brazil
Andoni Iraola – 2/1
Andoni Iraola is set to be one of the most in demand managers managers this summer after communicating his decision to leave Bournemouth last week.
He has a proven track record of improving teams and could well take the Cherries into Europe for the first time ever.
However, it is a different kettle of fish managing a club of Chelsea’s size and there are questions about whether his high intensity style could be replicated.
The cautionary tale of Graham Potter, who impressed at Brighton before coming to Chelsea and struggling, may also count against him.
Cesc Fabregas – 10/3
Cesc Fabregas would be a popular appointment given his history at Chelsea – where he won five trophies – and his pedigree as one of the best young coaches in Europe.
At Como, Fabregas’ side are battling for Champions League qualification against giants such as Juventus and Roma, despite only being promoted to the top flight in 2024.
His tactical intelligence, leadership and development of young players would make him an enticing proposition for Todd Boehly and Co, and he may help to unite a disenchanted fanbase.
One question mark may be how he would deal with the pressure and turmoil Chelsea are in right now, but given his calmness as a player, you wouldn’t bet against him slotting in nicely.
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has gained plaudits for his work with Como in Italy
Calum McFarlane – 10/3
Calum McFarlane’s interim spell until the end of the season will surely be just that, although you can never predict what may happen, especially at Chelsea given the past few years.
If McFarlane was somehow able to lead the Blues to Champions League qualification, there would be clamour for the 40-year-old to take the job, yet that seems unlikely right now.
It is not McFarlane’s fault, but he would likely be a lighting rod for criticism and viewed as a symbol of the BlueCo ownership – and he is the opposite from the experience Chelsea require right now.
Oliver Glasner – 5/1
Oliver Glasner will forever be etched in Crystal Palace folklore for his incredible achievements over the past two-and-a-half years and he’s rightly in the running for jobs like this.
However, Glasner’s style of play tends to mean his team fare better without the ball, something that wouldn’t be the case at Chelsea.
The Eagles have often struggled in the Conference League this season when they have been forced to do most of the running in games.
His qualities are not in doubt, but Glasner has also had tensions with the hierarchy at his past two clubs, another issue that may put off BlueCo.
Oliver Glasner has done a great job at Crystal Palace but his style of play may not suit Chelsea
Xavi – 15/2
An option that provides pedigree and experience, Xavi would be an intriguing choice for Chelsea.
The legendary former Spain midfielder has been out of work since he left Barcelona in 2024 after winning a league and cup double the previous season.
At Barcelona, he dealt with immense pressure given his profile and the politics that follow the club, and they were in turmoil when he replaced Ronald Koeman in November 2021.
That experience and success would be particularly important as Chelsea are as fractured as they have ever been in the modern era.
Xavi (pictured with his wife Nuria Cunillera this week) has been out of management since 2024
Marco Silva – 9/1
Like with Glasner and Iraola, Marco Silva deserves to be touted for these roles after the work he has done in establishing Fulham back in the Premier League over the past five years.
His top flight experience and tactical acumen are impressive, and it feels as if Silva is ready to take that next step in his managerial career.
But, as we have seen before with several managers moving up the ladder – most notably Thomas Frank at Tottenham this season – it is not always that simple, and the Frank factor may play against him.
There is also an argument Silva could find a more appealing and less chaotic role than the one on offer at Chelsea.
Frank Lampard – 9/1
With the Chelsea job up for grabs and as a club legend flying high in management, Frank Lampard was always going to be linked, but surely even the 47-year-old wouldn’t go back for a third spell right now.
Lampard has done an incredible job at Coventry City, taking the club back to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, rebuilding his reputation as a burgeoning young coach in the process.
Like Fabregas, Lampard would be a unifying candidate and help to calm some of the fan discontent – plus he has clearly improved as a coach from his second stint at Chelsea – but would he want to give up what he has going at Coventry?
Lampard is adored and has created something special. It feels like a return to a huge club will follow at some point, but he may be better of staying where he is for now.
Frank Lampard has done an incredible job at Coventry and he is adored by the club’s fans
Roberto De Zerbi – 25/1
Roberto De Zerbi being priced at 25/1 is a candidate we had to include because it would be an eye-catching appointment for a multitude of reasons.
De Zerbi has pledged to stay at Tottenham even if they are relegated, and while there is no reason to doubt his intentions, a move to their arch-rivals would be quite the story.
The Italian’s credentials are well-known, and he has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the past, although it feels as if a switch to West London may be out of the question right now.
