Who will be Chelsea’s next manager after Liam Rosenior sacking?

Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas have emerged as Chelsea’s preferred candidates for the head coach role after Liam Rosenior was sacked on Wednesday, just three-and-a-half months into a six-and-a-half-year contract.

In announcing Rosenior’s departure, Chelsea said they would “undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment,” suggesting that no immediate replacement is expected. Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane will take charge of the first team for the remainder of the season, having previously acted as interim manager following the departure of Enzo Maresca in January.

Long-term planning at Stamford Bridge

However, The Independent reports that Spanish duo Iraola and Fabregas are the club’s preferred choices for the dugout heading into the 2026-27 season.

The approach points to a longer-term strategy rather than a quick fix, with Chelsea looking to reset after another managerial change.

Iraola’s rise at Bournemouth

Earlier this month, Iraola announced he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season after three years in charge. The Cherries finished 12th and ninth in the Premier League under the former Athletic Club defender and currently sit seventh, which would be their highest ever finish.

Ironically, they are now above Chelsea, who have slipped to eighth, while Bournemouth remain in contention for an outside chance of Champions League qualification via a sixth-place finish.

Iraola has earned widespread praise for his high-tempo, attacking style of play, with several top clubs taking notice of his work on the south coast.

Fabregas building momentum in Italy

Fabregas, meanwhile, won five trophies as a player with Chelsea, including two Premier League titles. Since stepping into management with Como in 2023, he has guided the Italian side to promotion to Serie A and into contention for European qualification, although they look likely to fall just short of a Champions League spot.

While Como are well backed financially, the club have focused on recruiting young, high-upside players, with Fabregas playing a central role in their development. Chelsea have followed a similar recruitment model in recent years, though without yet seeing consistent results on the pitch.

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