- Rosenior’s ongoing issues at Chelsea
- The 3 potential replacements for the current manager
Chelsea managerial issues continue. Sunday’s 3–0 loss to Manchester City has raised concerns over Liam Rosenior’s future at the Bridge. There are now serious questions over the Englishman’s place in the dugout.
In January, the Blues parted ways with Enzo Maresca after rumours of a fallout behind the scenes. The former Strasbourg manager came in as the successor. However, over time, the lack of top-level management experience has become apparent.
Since February, Chelsea have lost seven matches in all competitions. This includes the Champions League 8-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Arsenal. Also, their European hopes for next season are hanging by a thread after the collapse at Stamford Bridge to City.
While a place in the FA Cup semi-final is the only silver lining, tensions are high. If things do not improve, Chelsea might have no choice but to show Rosenior the exit door in the near future. And if so, who would be his replacement?
Cesc Fabregas
The former Chelsea midfielder’s life as a manager has been different. Fabregas has silenced doubters by making his tactics work at Como.
Como is on the verge of securing European football, and the Spanish manager has played a vital role in it. They are currently in 5th, which is the highest for the Italian side since the 1985/86 campaign.
Fabregas’ capacity to build a quality team has been proven. His players are in the top 3 for the Golden Boot and in the playmaker charts. Como’s Jean Butez is in pole position for the best goalkeeper award.
Fabregas’ return to Stamford Bridge would surely attract fanfare. He is a proven winner, even though those successes came as a player. But his deal would surely be hefty, because the manager still has two years left with Como.
Xabi Alonso
Another Spaniard, on the other hand, was the talk of Europe two seasons back. His strategic game plan took Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double that will remain in the history books. However, after an unconvincing spell, Real Madrid sacked the 44-year-old in January 2026. The 3-2 Supercopa de España defeat to Barcelona was the final blow.
On the bright side, he is without a club at the moment. He looks set to move to England, although there will be competition from Liverpool. Chelsea should be willing to make an attractive offer to turn his head and allow him to rebuild this squad in his vision.
Oliver Glasner
talkSPORT‘s Jason Cundy and Jermaine Pennant rooted for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner to take the job after Maresca was sacked. Moreover, the Austrian secured his legacy as the first manager to bring a trophy to the Eagles. But the 51-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season.
Glasner won both the FA Cup and the Community Shield. This paved the way for their first-ever experience of European football. However, multiple players left, and the manager voiced his frustration. The coach will be looking for a new challenge soon, and one has to wonder what he can achieve at a top club.
