FC Porto head coach Francesco Farioli has reportedly rejected an approach from Chelsea to replace Liam Rosenior, as the Italian chooses to remain with the Portuguese league leaders over a move to Stamford Bridge. According to reports from A Bola and O Jogo, the 41-year-old has no intention of triggered his €20m (£17.4m) release clause to join a club currently sitting seventh in the Premier League. Following the dismissal of Rosenior on April 22 after just 106 days in charge, Chelsea have turned to interim coach Calum McFarlane to see out a season marked by significant managerial instability.
Farioli prioritises Champions League over Chelsea vacancy
The rejection follows a pattern of commitment from Farioli, who signed a contract extension in Porto earlier this season through to 2028. While his deal includes a release clause that reportedly drops to €15m (£13m) during transfer windows, the former Ajax coach has publicly distanced himself from the vacancy. Speaking on his future, Farioli stated: "Leaving in the middle of a process has never been a topic. Here in Porto, I truly believe that there is something more, something deeper, in terms of connection and relationship with the president." This relationship with Porto president André Villas-Boas—himself a former Chelsea manager—appears to have solidified Farioli's stance as Porto close in on a league title and guaranteed Champions League football, a luxury Chelsea cannot currently offer.
BlueCo face search for sixth manager since 2022
Chelsea's pursuit of Farioli comes at a fraught moment for the BlueCo ownership. Liam Rosenior, who arrived from sister-club Strasbourg in January, lasted only 23 games before a 3-0 defeat to Brighton sealed his exit. He was the fifth permanent head coach to depart the club since May 2022, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca. This high turnover contrasts sharply with Farioli's steady rise; since moving to Porto in July 2025, the Italian has implemented a high-possession system that has transformed the side into the dominant force in the Primeira Liga. With Farioli out of the running, Chelsea are understood to be monitoring Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso as they look to stabilise a squad that has struggled for consistency under three different leaders this season alone.
Chelsea's hierarchy must now decide whether to accelerate their pursuit of a permanent successor or allow McFarlane to manage the remaining fixtures before a summer appointment.