Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge, following a dismal run of five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring. The club's hopes of Champions League qualification are in tatters, and Calum McFarlane has been appointed interim manager until the end of the season. His first match will be Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley.
The club announced on Tuesday that they will "undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment." Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, now at Como, have emerged as early favourites. However, sources say no active discussions are taking place with any candidates.
Former England international Alan Smith criticised Rosenior's approach, saying he "didn't really look like a Chelsea manager" and that the players lost faith quickly. Smith noted that Rosenior's public criticism of his squad was a sign of disconnect, and his tactics were often overthought. The 23-game tenure is the shortest of any permanent Chelsea head coach in the club's history.
Other potential candidates include Frank Lampard, who is popular with fans but has just led Coventry to the Championship title, Xabi Alonso, who is out of work after leaving Real Madrid, and Fulham manager Marco Silva, who has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.
