Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior. (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Chelsea’s managerial situation has been thrown into further uncertainty following the departure of Liam Rosenior, leaving the club without a permanent figure in charge heading into a crucial period.
For now, Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane has stepped in on an interim basis until the end of the season.
The upheaval comes after a turbulent year in the dugout. Enzo Maresca was dismissed in January, with Rosenior brought in as his successor, but his tenure lasted just 107 days. A disastrous run of five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring ultimately sealed his fate, forcing the club back to square one.
With stability now a priority, Chelsea have begun compiling a shortlist of candidates — and one Premier League manager has quickly emerged as a leading option.
Chelsea Add Marco Silva to Managerial Shortlist
Chelsea are preparing to open discussions with Fulham boss Marco Silva as they continue their search for a new head coach, according to The Sun.
The Portuguese manager, described as having “incredible attention to detail” by former player Troy Deeney, has impressed with the structure and consistency he has brought to Fulham since taking charge in 2021.
Silva has helped transform Fulham into a competitive and well-organised side, regularly challenging for positions higher up the table and pushing toward European qualification. With his contract set to expire this summer and no agreement yet reached over an extension, his availability has placed him firmly on Chelsea’s radar.
The 48-year-old is now seen as a serious contender for the role, with Chelsea keen to explore whether a deal could be struck. His Premier League experience and tactical discipline are viewed as key attributes as the club looks to rebuild after a disjointed campaign.
However, Silva is not the only name under consideration. Former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has also been added to the shortlist after leaving Real Madrid earlier this year, while Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola — who is set to depart his current role at the end of the season — remains another option being assessed.
Chelsea are expected to hold talks with multiple candidates before making a final decision, as they aim to appoint a manager capable of restoring direction and consistency.
After a season defined by instability, Chelsea’s next appointment carries significant weight. Turning to a proven Premier League operator like Silva would signal a shift toward structure and reliability — qualities the club have been lacking throughout this turbulent period.
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