Chelsea have identified Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas as the primary candidates to become their third permanent manager of the 2025-26 season after sacking Liam Rosenior on April 22. Rosenior was dismissed following a run of five consecutive Premier League defeats that left the club in mid-table, with Calum McFarlane appointed as interim head coach for the second time this campaign. According to Fabrizio Romano, Iraola is viewed as a high-priority option as he prepares to depart Bournemouth, while Como 41-year-old head coach Fabregas remains under serious consideration by the BlueCo hierarchy.
Iraola Emerges as Frontrunner as Maresca Return Ruled Out
Andoni Iraola, 43, has moved to the top of Chelsea’s shortlist following his decision to leave Bournemouth at the end of the current season. Speaking on his daily briefing, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Iraola "has not signed anything with any club" and is the most advanced tactical option available. This shift in strategy follows the failure of the Liam Rosenior experiment, which lasted less than four months after he replaced Enzo Maresca. Romano also clarified that any potential return for Maresca is "completely over," as the club seeks a clean break from previous tactical setups. Chelsea’s pursuit of a Spanish-speaking manager is understood to be a deliberate move to address reported dressing room unrest among the squad's core technical players.
Como Will Not Block Fabregas Approach
Cesc Fabregas represents the high-stature alternative favoured by some members of the Chelsea board who believe a figure with significant club history can stabilise the environment. While Fabregas told Football London that it would be "stupid" to focus on rumours while still under contract at Como, the Italian club's president, Mirwan Suwarso, has taken a more open stance. Speaking to The Mirror, Suwarso stated the club "won't block him" if he wishes to move to Stamford Bridge. The vacancy became more pressing after Edin Terzic—previously a lead candidate for the Chelsea role—reached a verbal agreement to join Athletic Club Bilbao, according to reports. Chelsea now face a choice between Iraola’s proven Premier League consistency and the leadership potential of Fabregas as they look to salvage their season ahead of an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United.
McFarlane will remain in the dugout for the trip to Wembley while negotiations with external candidates accelerate.