The search for the next Chelsea manager has once again exposed the instability surrounding the club, with criticism mounting and uncertainty growing over who would even take the job.
Former Manchester United player Paul Merson has questioned whether any top coach would be willing to step into what he described as a “mess.”
His comments reflect a wider concern about the direction of Chelsea, who are now preparing to appoint yet another manager after a turbulent period in the ongoing Chelsea manager search.
A Club Stuck In Instability
Chelsea’s recent history has been defined by constant change. Since the departure of Enzo Maresca in January 2026, the club has already gone through another short-lived appointment in Liam Rosenior before turning to interim solutions, with Calum McFarlane in charge for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
That instability has been reflected on the pitch. Reports suggest a poor run of results, including a six-game losing streak in the league, which has left the club struggling to secure European football.
Merson’s criticism centres on deeper issues than results. He has questioned the structure of the club, the performance of the players, and whether any manager – no matter how good – could succeed in the current environment.
“The next manager appointment is critical but it’s going to be such hard work for whoever comes in,” the former United player said on Sky Sports.
“They are one of the youngest teams in the league and the players are outrun every week. They have just lost six league games on the trot and have 20 players in the squad all on six-, seven-, eight-year deals.
“They are probably not going to finish above Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth this season, maybe even Everton and Fulham with the way things are going.”
Next Chelsea Manager Options Take Shape
Into this uncertainty steps Xavi Hernandez, one of several high-profile names linked with the role of next Chelsea manager.
The former Barcelona coach has confirmed that an approach has been made, and he is open to working in the Premier League, adding another layer to the ongoing Chelsea manager search.
Xavi’s profile fits what Chelsea may be looking for. He has experience managing a top club, winning La Liga during his time in Spain, and is known for a clear footballing philosophy built on possession and structure.
However, questions remain over whether he would accept the job. Chelsea’s current model, which places significant power in the hands of sporting directors rather than the manager, has reportedly discouraged candidates in the past.
There is also uncertainty over whether Xavi is still a leading option. Some reports suggest the club’s priorities remain Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Xabi Alonso as part of a wider search.
“Xavi Hernandez side insist Chelsea have made a formative approach and is open to a move to England,” Transfer insider Ben Jacobs reported on X.
“However, my understanding is Chelsea are not expected to proceed. Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola all under serious consideration and Xavi, for now, ruled out by Chelsea.”
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A Defining Decision Ahead
Whoever takes over as the next Chelsea manager will inherit a difficult situation. Chelsea’s squad is young but inconsistent, the club’s structure remains under scrutiny, and expectations are still extremely high.
Merson’s warning highlights the scale of the challenge. For him, the issue is not just about finding the right manager through this Chelsea manager search, but fixing a system that has failed to provide stability or direction.
“I just don’t know how Chelsea are in this mess and I honestly can’t see a way out,” Merson stressed.
“Even if they get rid of players, how does that look for Financial Fair Play? Alejandro Garnacho hasn’t pulled up any trees. they won’t be getting their money back on him. Enzo Fernandez has appeared to court a move to Real Madrid. So, he seemingly wants to go, but I can’t see how they get £100m for him unless he goes and wins the World Cup again.
“Where does the money come from? How can this work for Chelsea?
“You can’t sit here and honestly say they will just sell a load of players and start again.
“If there are players they want to let go, they will probably have to pay them off to go. That will cost money.
“If they want new players in, that will cost money. They are stuck.”
The next Chelsea manager appointment could define the London side’s immediate future. Get it right, and the club could rebuild quickly. Get it wrong, and the cycle of instability may continue.
For now, the biggest question remains the simplest one: who would want the job – and who can actually make it work?
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Craig Mercer
Recording Date: 04.05.2026
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