With Liam Rosenior's Chelsea future hanging by a thread, we're looking at five possible managers Chelsea could look to if they decide to part ways with the former Strasbourg coach
Liam Rosenior looks on
Liam Rosenior could be on his way out of Chelsea(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
View 6 Images
There's no escaping it now - Chelsea are in a full-blown crisis. On Tuesday, the Blues sunk to a woeful 3-0 defeat against Brighton, their fifth straight loss in the Premier League and their seventh in the last eight games in all competitions.
Even more concerning is their total absence of attacking threat. Chelsea have failed to find the net in each of those seven defeats, with their only goals since mid-March coming against League One outfit Port Vale.
While defeats to PSG, Manchester City and Manchester United could be portrayed as valiant yet unlucky, the performance against Brighton offered no such excuse. Chelsea mustered just a single effort in the first half and failed to produce one on target throughout the entire match in a display characterised by utter chaos, devoid of both structure and belief.
The pressure on Liam Rosenior has hit boiling point. Speaking after the game, he admitted he felt "numb," describing his side's performance as "indefensible" - a word that is starting to feel equally appropriate for his own situation.
Author avatar
Author avatar
Filipe Luis was reportedly among the leading contenders alongside Rosenior when Enzo Maresca was sacked in January. Given that the club's ownership has already carried out thorough background checks on him, he would represent the most straightforward option.
After leaving Flamengo in March, the Brazilian is currently a free agent and could be appointed without any compensation fee. His history as a Chelsea player also gives him an immediate rapport with a frustrated Stamford Bridge fanbase.
Filipe Luis is an option for Chelsea(Image: Getty)
View 6 Images
However, the main issue is his limited experience - having only managed in Brazil, Luis would be entering a completely new setting. Similar to Rosenior, questions remain about whether he could take control of a squad filled with high-priced, underachieving players, making the appointment feel more like a lateral move rather than a fresh start.
Oliver Glasner
With his exit from Crystal Palace already confirmed for the end of the season, Oliver Glasner could consider leaving slightly earlier. His time at Selhurst Park has been outstanding, highlighted in particular by their FA Cup victory last season.
Although Manchester United were previously seen as the frontrunners to sign him, their interest may have cooled due to Michael Carrick's strong spell as interim manager at Old Trafford.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner has impressed in the Premier League, but his final season at Crystal Palace has been tough(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
View 6 Images
Chelsea would be bringing in a manager with a proven track record who has demonstrated an ability to exceed expectations in the Premier League. He provides the kind of tactical organisation and structural stability that the current squad has clearly been lacking.
Andoni Iraola
Like Glasner, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is set to leave at the end of the campaign. With the club already announcing Marco Rose as his replacement this week, Iraola might decide to leave before the season wraps up.
To bring him in immediately, Chelsea would likely need to present a substantial salary package along with a secure long-term deal, particularly with other big European clubs circling. It would signal a bold intention to recruit a manager from a team currently level with them on points.
Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola is leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, potentially opening the door for a Chelsea move(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
View 6 Images
Iraola's high-energy approach would likely deliver the jolt this Chelsea side needs to rediscover its identity. Bringing him in now could also carry a sense of irony if he helps Chelsea edge past Bournemouth for a European spot.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is currently achieving remarkable results in Serie A, where his Como side are unexpectedly challenging for a top-four finish. While he remains committed to his project in Italy, his strong emotional connection to Chelsea is still significant.
As a student of Pep Guardiola, his tactical know-how is regarded as elite among emerging coaches. Chelsea supporters still chant his name and his arrival could provide an immediate lift to the tense atmosphere surrounding the club.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas has been working wonders at Como
View 6 Images
The challenge would be persuading him to walk away from a potential Champions League place to join what appears to be a mid-table rebuild. It would require a major effort from the club's leadership to convince him that this is the right moment to return.
John Terry
If the club opts to focus on morale for the remainder of the season, appointing a true club icon could be viewed as a sensible decision. John Terry is already involved in the club's youth system, so the owners are familiar with his personality and professionalism.
He has openly expressed his ambition to manage the first team and would likely accept a short-term interim position to demonstrate his capabilities. While his managerial experience is limited, his reputation as a "Captain, Leader, Legend" still carries enormous influence within the club.
John Terry
John Terry could be parachuted in as an interim coach(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media)
View 6 Images
His lack of tactical background could be balanced by his natural leadership and strong presence. In a squad that appears to lack determination, Terry's influence might be enough to bring back some pride.
That said, the club has already tried the 'club legend as interim boss' strategy. When Graham Potter was dismissed in 2023, Frank Lampard returned for a brief stint - and it is fair to say that move did not achieve the intended outcome.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image