Fàbregas, Alonso & Co - Six Chelsea managerial candidates as major decision looms

Chelsea’s decision to sack Liam Rosenior paid immediate dividends as they booked their place in the FA Cup final on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Leeds United. Academy coach Calum McFarlane stepped up admirably again - as he did after Enzo Maresca was sacked - to guide the Blues into their 17th FA Cup final. The performance was typified by so many characteristics that were badly missing in the final few weeks of Rosenior’s tenure - fight, character and commitment.

The appointment of Rosenior backfired badly and it will ultimately cost Chelsea a place in the Champions League next season, which will cause significant financial implications. Ahead of the season, Chelsea proudly boasted of being ‘world champions’ after winning the Club World Cup but pressure is firmly intensifying on the BlueCo ownership structure. Fans have protested regularly across recent weeks and they simply can’t afford to make another mistake when instilling their next manager. As McFarlane rightfully won’t get the job on a permanent basis, we’ve analysed six candidates on Chelsea’s shortlist.

Six Chelsea managerial candidates

Reports in Brazil have claimed that Chelsea representatives have held talks with Filipe Luís about returning to Stamford Bridge. It’s also understood that the Brazilian was under consideration before the decision to appoint Rosenior. Luís spent one season at Chelsea as a player, winning the Premier League title in 2015 and he earned huge admiration for his work at Flamengo. The 40-year-old possesses the best points per game record of any manager on this list but he doesn’t hold a UEFA Pro Licence, which is required to work in England and in European competitions - although there are ways around this.

Speculation has increased in recent days that Julian Nagelsmann has admirers within the Chelsea hierarchy. BILD have claimed that Blues chiefs want to explore Nagelsmann’s interest in taking charge after the World Cup with Germany. The 38-year-old’s deal with the national team runs until 2028 but there’s a growing feeling that he could depart after the World Cup as he wants to return to club management. Manchester United are also interested in the former Bayern Munich manager, who is renowned for his adaptive tactical approach.

Many believed that Xabi Alonso would return to management this summer with Liverpool but Arne Slot has received the backing of the Anfield hierarchy. Alonso was the most coveted manager in Europe last season but he endured a difficult time at Real Madrid, where he struggled to control the egotistical dressing room. The Spaniard worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen and his stock still remains high with Chelsea aware of his availability.

Much like Alonso previously, Cesc Fàbregas is now viewed as the most exciting young head coach in Europe. The 38-year-old has overseen Como’s transformation from newly-promoted side to Champions League contenders. Fabregas could feasibly lead Como into Europe’s elite club competition within two years of their promotion to Serie A and his attacking brand of football is compelling to watch. It must be said that Como have spent a fortune to climb the Italian hierarchy but Fabregas’ stock is higher than any other coach on this list.

Eyebrows might be raised that Eddie Howe’s name has been mentioned as a potential Chelsea manager but his struggles this season shouldn’t overlook the incredible job he’s undertaken at Newcastle United. The Magpies were engulfed in a relegation battle when Howe took charge in 2021 but he led them to the Champions League twice and won their first major silverware in 70 years. The Englishman is very well-respected in the industry and there’s a growing feeling that he will leave Newcastle this summer.

Despite having the lowest ppg record of the six managers, Andoni Iraola is currently the favourite to become Chelsea’s new manager. The 43-year-old will depart Bournemouth this summer when his contract expires and not having to pay compensation will appeal to Chelsea’s owners. Iraola has worked wonders at Bournemouth and should ensure they qualify for European football for the first time in their history.