On Wednesday, April 23, Chelsea confirmed that they have parted ways with Liam Rosenior following a string of poor results across all competitions.
The English manager, who was appointed in January on a six-year contract, has been dismissed after just 107 days in charge, bringing the Chelsea manager search into sharp focus.
His tenure left Chelsea sitting seventh in the Premier League table, seven points off the top five, putting their Champions League hopes under serious threat with only a few games remaining.
For now, Callum McFarlane will take charge on an interim basis until June as the Chelsea manager search continues. The big question remains: who will be the next Chelsea manager?
Chelsea Manager Search: What Went Wrong Under Liam Rosenior?
Liam Rosenior’s tenure began after he replaced Enzo Maresca in January 2026, following the club’s decision to part ways with the Italian by mutual consent.
He started brightly, winning seven of his first nine matches across all competitions, with the only defeats coming against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. However, from that point on, Chelsea’s form began to dip, with inconsistent results and recurring defensive issues.
The major turning point came in the UEFA Champions League, where Chelsea suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. That result triggered a run of four consecutive defeats.
Although a dominant 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale briefly suggested a response, it failed to spark a turnaround. Instead, Chelsea continued their slide, losing several matches in succession.
The final blow came with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, which marked five straight league losses without scoring, a run not seen since 1912. It was also one of their most ineffective attacking displays of the season, failing to register a shot on target.
Rosenior himself described it as the worst performance of his tenure, and his dismissal soon followed.
Defensive fragility defined his time in charge. Chelsea consistently conceded cheap goals due to errors, poor set-piece organisation, and a lack of communication at the back. Conceding first in nine of their last ten matches underlined just how vulnerable they had become.
What Do Chelsea Need in Their Next Manager?
With the Chelsea manager search now underway, the club faces a crucial decision ahead of next season.
First, the next Chelsea manager must come with proven experience. The club can no longer afford to gamble on inexperience at the highest level. Rosenior’s lack of top-level managerial exposure showed in key moments, particularly in handling pressure and managing a high-profile squad.
The next manager must also command immediate respect in the dressing room. With a squad filled with high-earning and high-profile players, authority and leadership will be essential from day one.
Tactically, Chelsea need a coach who aligns with their identity, primarily a possession-based approach, but one who can also bring structure, balance, and attacking efficiency. The regression of key attacking players under Rosenior highlights the need for better offensive organisation.
Equally important is control behind the scenes. The next Chelsea manager must have a real say in recruitment and squad decisions. The club’s structure needs better alignment, with a clearer footballing direction similar to well-run sides like Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain.
Now, we are going to examine the Chelsea manager search, with a lineup of potential candidates to take over the Club World Cup champions.
Julian Nagelsmann: The Elite Tactical Option
The new Chelsea manager search could once again turn towards Julian Nagelsmann, who previously came close to taking the job in 2023.
The Germany national team head coach remains one of the most highly regarded tacticians in world football and is expected to lead his national team into the 2026 World Cup. His track record includes domestic success in the Bundesliga and a reputation for developing young players.
Nagelsmann’s tactical flexibility, often switching between systems like 3-4-2-1, 3-5-2, and 4-2-3-1, would suit Chelsea’s current squad.
His emphasis on positional play, pressing, and quick transitions could address many of the team’s current weaknesses, particularly defensively.
Andoni Iraola: The Premier League-Proven Progressor
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has emerged as a strong candidate in the Chelsea manager search.
Iraola has impressed this season, guiding Bournemouth through one of their best runs in recent history while pushing for European qualification. His work has not gone unnoticed, and Chelsea are believed to be monitoring his situation closely as he will leave his position as The Cherries’ head coach at the end of the season.
His style is built on high-intensity pressing, aggressive counter-pressing, and quick transitions, an approach that could bring energy and structure to Chelsea’s play.
One of his biggest strengths is player development. Iraola has consistently improved individuals and maximised squad potential, which makes him an appealing option for a young Chelsea team looking to grow.
Cesc Fabregas: A Bold and Emotional Appointment?
A return to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards for Cesc Fabregas, this time in a managerial role.
Currently impressing at Como with a push for Champions League qualification, Fabregas has quickly built a reputation as a promising young coach. His connection with Chelsea fans makes him a popular figure, and his appointment would likely generate excitement both on and off the pitch.
Tactically, he favours a possession-based approach with structured build-up play and strong midfield control. His understanding of the game and ability to work with technically gifted players could help unlock Chelsea’s attacking potential.
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Filipe Luis: A Rising Coach with Modern Ideas
Filipe Luis is another name being considered in the Chelsea manager search, following his impressive spell with Flamengo.
The former Chelsea defender has already shown promise as a coach, winning major trophies and demonstrating a clear tactical identity. His philosophy revolves around positional play, fluid movement, and intelligent rotations, elements that could suit Chelsea’s style.
He has also shown a strong ability in developing young players, an important factor given Chelsea’s current squad profile. His attention to detail in areas like set-pieces and tactical flexibility could help address some of the team’s current weaknesses.
However, his relative inexperience at the highest level may still be a concern for a club in need of immediate results.
Who Should Chelsea Appoint as Their Next Manager?
The Chelsea manager search is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the club evaluates its options ahead of next season.
Each of the candidates brings different strengths, whether it’s Nagelsmann’s tactical pedigree, Iraola’s Premier League experience, or the potential upside of Fabregas and Filipe Luis.
Ultimately, the next Chelsea manager must be someone who can impose a clear identity, handle the pressure of a top club, and be given the authority to shape the team. After a turbulent period, this appointment could define the club’s direction for years to come.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 21.04.2026
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