Liam Rosenior has been sacked as Chelsea manager, but who can the Blues appoint to replace him?
There is no escape now – Chelsea are in full-blown crisis. On Tuesday, the Blues suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at Brighton, making it their fifth straight defeat in the Premier League and seventh in their last eight competitive games.
Less than 24 hours later, Liam Rosenier paid for his dismal performance with his job. The West Londoners announced shortly after 5pm on Wednesday that he had been relieved of his duties, ending his brief tenure at the club.
Chelsea had completely lost their attacking threat under Strasbourg’s previous manager. Chelsea failed to find the back of the net in any of their seven defeats, with their only goal since mid-March coming against Port Vale in League One.
While defeats against PSG, Manchester City and Manchester United could be described as brave but unlucky, the performance against Brighton was no excuse. Chelsea collected just one shot in the first half and failed to get a single shot on target during the entire match. The development was characterized by complete chaos, devoid of structure and belief.
Follow the Chelsea FB page! For the latest news and details about Bruce, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
read more: Chelsea ‘fires 3 staff’ Liam Rosenior could be next after Brighton defeat
With Rosenior gone, attention will turn to candidates for his successor. Now, Mirror Football looks at five managers Chelsea could turn to following their recent sackings at Stamford Bridge.
Filipe Luis
When Enzo Maresca was sacked as manager in January, Filipe Luis was reportedly one of the main candidates along with Rosenior. He would be the easiest option considering the club’s owners have already conducted a thorough background check on him.
The Brazilian is currently a free agent after leaving Flamengo in March and could take over without compensation. His background as a Chelsea player also allows him to quickly develop a rapport with the disgruntled Stamford Bridge fan base.
But the main problem is his limited experience. Luiz, who has only coached in Brazil, will be entering a completely new environment. Like Rosenior, there are still doubts about his ability to manage a team full of high-priced players, making his appointment seem more like a lateral development than a fresh start.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner may consider leaving Crystal Palace a little earlier, as he has already decided to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season. His time at Selhurst Park was outstanding, highlighted in particular by winning the FA Cup last season.
Manchester United were previously thought to be the frontrunners to sign him, but interest may have waned as Michael Carrick continues to hold strong as caretaker manager at Old Trafford.
Chelsea will likely bring in a manager with a proven track record of exceeding expectations in the Premier League. He provides the kind of tactical organization and structural stability that was clearly lacking in the current team.
Andoni Iraola
Like Glasner, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is also set to retire at the end of this season. Iraola could decide to leave before the end of the season, as the club already announced Marco Rose as his replacement this week.
To sign him immediately, Chelsea would need to offer a big salary package along with a secure long-term contract, especially in negotiations with other big European clubs. It would be a bold move to bring in a manager from a team that is currently level on points.
Iraola’s energetic approach could give Chelsea’s side the jolt they need to rediscover their identity. Bringing him in now could make ironic sense if he is to help Chelsea beat Bournemouth to qualify for Europe.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is currently enjoying an impressive run in Serie A, with his Como team unexpectedly challenging for a top-four finish. Although he continues to work on his project in Italy, his strong emotional ties to Chelsea remain important.
A student of Josep Guardiola, his tactical know-how is considered elite among up-and-coming managers. Chelsea supporters still chant his name and his arrival could immediately ease the tense atmosphere surrounding the club.
The challenge will be to convince him to leave the Champions League contenders behind and join a team that looks set to rebuild mid-table. It will take a huge effort from the club’s leadership to convince him that now is the right time to return.
john terry
If the club chooses to focus on morale for the remainder of the season, appointing a true club icon could be seen as a wise decision. John Terry is already involved in the club’s youth system, so the owners are well aware of his personality and professionalism.
He has openly expressed his ambition to manage a first team and is likely to accept a short-term interim position to prove himself. Although his managerial experience is limited, his reputation as a “captain, leader, and legend” continues to have tremendous influence within the club.
His lack of tactical background may be balanced out by his natural leadership and strong presence. Terry’s influence may be enough to restore pride in a team that appears to be lacking resolve.
However, the club is already experimenting with a strategy of using a club legend as interim manager. Frank Lampard briefly returned when Graham Potter was sacked in 2023, but it’s fair to say the move failed to achieve the intended results.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts

£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.







