It has been three weeks since Liam Rosenior’s sacking was confirmed by Chelsea, and still, the Blues are yet to announce his permanent successor – and that delay might have cost them.
Calum McFarlane has taken over on an interim basis for a second time, having bridged the gap between Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior in January, resulting in a draw against Man City and a loss at Fulham.
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BlueCo are said to be in little rush to appoint a successor, though Chelsea have set a deadline for their new appointment. They want a manager secured by the middle of next month, for two reasons.
One, so he can help with transfers, and two, so he can lead the team into pre-season. However, the more Chelsea wait and practice patience, the more chance a rival has of landing a manager on their shortlist.
Nottingham Forest considering Marco Silva move
Xabi Alonso is now the no.1 candidate to take over at Chelsea, with the Spaniard said to be keen on the Blues job. He might have hoped Liverpool would become available, but Arne Slot will remain as manager.
Alonso has been out of work since January and would be welcomed by fans, while Chelsea’s players are said to be in favour of the Spaniard. But Marco Silva is also a strong contender to take over at Chelsea.
Fulham v Bournemouth - Premier League
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His Fulham deal ends in June and has often been listed as part of Chelsea’s three front-runners, along with Andoni Iraola. However, TeamTalk report that Nottingham Forest could move to hire Silva, instead.
Silva is out of contract at Fulham, and the Cottagers are hopeful of keeping him, but the latest report says that Evangelos Marinakis could make the shock decision to sack the impressive Vitor Pereira, for Silva.
The duo worked together at Greek giants Olympiacos, and a reunion is not discounted. Whether Silva would be tempted by a move to Forest remains to be seen, given Forest are beneath Fulham in the table.
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It is not ruled out, either, that Silva puts pen to paper on a new contract at Craven Cottage. The former Everton and Watford manager has remained in West London for five years, managing 227 matches.
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He is one elusive win away from securing a century of victories as Fulham boss, having won promotion with the Cottagers from the Championship. Benfica are also keen, as they look to replace Jose Mourinho.
There have been links with Al Ahli, too. A side that boasts Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Franck Kessie. Plenty of clubs are interested in Silva with Benfica now a real possibility as Mourinho returns to Madrid.
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