Last Updated: May 6, 2026 | 20:43 GMT
Chelsea Managerial Crisis
Rosenior Sacked; McFarlane Takes Interim Charge Ahead of Wembley
Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior just 15 weeks into a six-and-a-half-year contract he signed in January after a 3-0 loss at Brighton last month. BlueCo took swift action to axe Rosenior after the Blues went on a five-game losing streak in the Premier League, which has since continued with Calum McFarlane in charge as interim manager. Although McFarlane has overseen Chelsea booking their spot at the FA Cup final with a win over Leeds at Wembley, the Blues’ short-term future is – once again – in a state of flux.
Xabi Alonsi now market favourite for Chelsea job
Although Andoni Iraola has confirmed he’s leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is the current 13/8 favourite to take charge at Stamford Bridge. Todd Boehly and co will no doubt be working hard sounding out potential replacements for Rosenior, and Alonso does seem to tick a lot of boxes. He’s won a title in a major European league, he’s managed at one of the biggest clubs in the world and, as a former Liverpool midfielder, he knows the Premier League and English football well. Iraola (2/1) is also a solid option, as well as ex-Chelsea full-back Felipe Luis (3/1).
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