Chelsea are searching for a new head coach after sacking Liam Rosenior with an appointment timeline now emerging
12:31, 11 May 2026Updated 12:44, 11 May 2026
Calum McFarlane has just three games left in charge of Chelsea with the club planning a permanent appointment in just over four weeks
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Calum McFarlane has just three games left in charge of Chelsea with the club planning a permanent appointment in just over four weeks(Image: (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
Chelsea are hopeful of having their next manager appointed by the middle of June, according to Sky Sports.
Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have all been listed as current candidates by the outlet. Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Oliver Glasner are just a few other names linked to the Stamford Bridge vacancy.
A number of those managers are currently either out of work or soon to be with Alonso and Xavi set to be joined by Glasner and Iraola as free agents this summer. The latter is leaving Bournemouth but has recently been linked with Crystal Palace, the Premier League Glasner is departing.
The Blues parted company with Liam Rosenior last month and subsequently instilled Calum McFarlane for a second interim spell. Chelsea are now looking for their fifth permanent manager in four years.
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McFarlane has a fairly decent record over his two temporary spells in charge with draws against Manchester City and Liverpool secured away from home. He has also helped the Blues reach this Saturday's FA Cup final.
Three of Chelsea's four wins over their last 13 matches have been in that competition with McFarlane in charge of their semi-final win over Leeds United.
Having not won in the league since early March, beating Man City in the final at Wembley could be their only route into Europe with results elsewhere moving them down to ninth.
A spot in the Europa League would be theirs with victory over Pep Guardiola's side and that would mean three consecutive seasons of different European competitions.
Despite the possibility of six teams could qualify for next season's Champions League, Chelsea are all but out of the race following Bournemouth's win over Fulham.
The Cherries are currently favourites for that final spot, should it become available through Aston Villa winning the Europa League and finishing fifth, though Brighton and Brentford, both of whom are above Chelsea, in with a chance.
The likes of Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland are also breathing down their necks for a spot in the top-half. Tottenham and the latter are their final two opponents this season.
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Spurs have taken a huge step towards survival and could confirm their Premier League status at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday with that game moved back due to Chelsea's involvement in the FA Cup final.