News Focus
- Chelsea have begun discussions with potential managers to replace Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge.
- Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner are the leading names on the shortlist.
- The club aims to confirm a new appointment before pre-season training starts in early July.
- All four main targets are available without compensation fees this summer.
- Former Blues players Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas are also under consideration by the board.
Chelsea Football Club has started the search for a new permanent head coach. The West London club is now contacting potential candidates following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month. Officials hope to complete the appointment well before the squad returns for pre-season training at the start of July.
Four experienced coaches currently top the list of targets. Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner have all been identified as strong options. Crucially, none of these managers would require a compensation payment. This is because they are either currently unemployed or their contracts expire at the end of this season.
Iraola has already announced he will leave Bournemouth when the current campaign finishes. Crystal Palace want the Spanish coach to replace Glasner, who is also set to depart Selhurst Park this summer. However, Iraola is taking time to consider his future. Sources suggest he may even decide to take a break from management, which would leave him free to accept any jobs that become available during next season.
Silva faces a major decision about his future at Fulham. The Portuguese manager has been offered a new three-year deal to stay at Craven Cottage. Despite this, he is thought to be considering offers from abroad, with clubs in Saudi Arabia reportedly keen to secure his services.
The Blues are also monitoring two former players who have moved into management. Filipe Luis, who recently left Brazilian side Flamengo, and Cesc Fabregas, currently in charge of Italian club Como, both have strong support among the club’s leadership.