Chelsea have gone ahead and sacked Liam Rosenior. He was a good coach at Strasbourg but it became evident very quickly that he was not cut out for the Stamford Bridge job, something that the majority of the fanbase had predicted. After his comments following the Brighton defeat, it was very clear that his sacking was inevitable. Fortunately, BlueCo did not let it drag on any longer and made the decision.
The damage has already been done though. Chelsea are set to miss out on Champions League football, barring a miracle. And considering the club’s record financial losses in recent years, this comes at the worst possible time.
On top of that, some rumours had emerged that Chelsea might need to pay Rosenior a £24 million payout. After all, he had more than six years left on his deal.
Fortunately, that won’t be happening. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea had included a break clause in Rosenior’s contract and will not pay out full salary for the next years. The fee is set to be lower. Some players had lost faith in the manager.
Chelsea sacking Rosenior would be meaningless if they don’t bring in the right replacement
It was quite clear that there was no way back for Rosenior. That being said, sacking him won’t mean much if the club do not end up appointing the right successor.
The majority of the fans know what Chelsea need right now. A proven winner. Someone who has a track record of success, ideally at more than one club.
Then, he needs to be given a real say when it comes to club matters. This cannot be another scenario where he is just the head coach who is expected to deal with whatever players they decide to sign. It has to be more of a partnership, with the manager having a healthy level of influence over transfer matters as well.
Andoni Iraola rumours are worrying
Now, to do not get me wrong, Andoni Iraola has done a tremendous job at Bournemouth. Also, he is set to be available for free in the summer. That makes him an attractive prospect.
That being said, it would be a risky appointment. And BlueCo should not be risking another failed appointent right now.
Iraola is not a proven winner. He does not have a track record of succeeding at the top level from his playing days either. He is not someone like a Xabi Alonso or a Cesc Fabregas, who would command instant respect from the players for being legendary figures in the game.
Also, there are serious question marks over whether his style of play would translate to this squad that BlueCo have put together. Iraola likes to play high-intensity football with quick attacks and aggressive pressing. On the other hand, Chelsea have been outrun by every team they have faced in the Premier League this season.
Then there is the possibility that a large part of his success might be down to Bournemouth’s brilliant model in place, which has successfully been able to identify players who are now playing for the likes of Man City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, PSG, and more. It has the potential to be a repeat of the Graham Potter appointment.
