Chelsea sacked manager Liam Rosenior on Wednesday following a catastrophic run of form that has left the London club’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread while they also endured their worst goalscoring drought in over a century.
Rosenior lasted less than four months in the role after his January appointment following Enzo Maresca’s departure, becoming the latest casualty of Chelsea’s turbulent season after seven defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Rosenior’s dismissal came a day after a humiliating 3-0 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion, which saw the south-coast club leapfrog Chelsea into sixth place in the table. Chelsea are now seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Here are five potential candidates to replace him – and one who surely won’t.
Felipe Luis
Felipe Luis was sacked by Flamengo last month, despite winning several trophies during his 100-game stint in charge of the Brazilian club. The former Chelsea defender would be a gamble, however, given his lack of experience coaching in European football.
Andoni Iraola
The Bournemouth manager has proven he can earn results in the Premier League while playing an attractive brand of football. He has also done it while improving young players and increasing their value, something that is clearly part of the current Chelsea project. But Iraola is reported to be considering a move back to his home club, Athletic Bilbao, for family reasons as much as football ones.
Cesc Fabregas
Like Felipe Luis, Fabregas would be something of a gamble given his lack of experience, having managed only one club, the Italian side Como. But Fabregas has worked wonders with the Serie A minnows and has them on the brink of European football next season. The 38-year-old is widely considered one of the brightest young coaches in the game.
Marco Silva
The Fulham manager has regularly been tipped to move on from Craven Cottage during his impressive five-year spell. He has a notable track record, winning trophies in Portugal and Greece in years gone by, and may feel he is ready for a new challenge at a Champions League club.
Xabi Alonso
The former Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager is still out of work after his time at the Santiago Bernabeu was cut short earlier this season. He may be holding out for the Liverpool job, giving his links to Anfield, but Alonso will no doubt be considered by the Chelsea hierarchy and remains one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.
Frank Lampard
Lampard would be a popular pick among fans at a time when the club is drifting and supporter sentiment is at a deep low. But surely the Coventry manager will not be tempted by a risky jump to Stamford Bridge – again – having just steered his team to the Championship title and a return to the premier League after 25 years away.
