Credit: Imago, The Obi One Podcast on YouTube

Evan Lloyd

Thu 23 April 2026 9:45, UK

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Chelsea dismissed Liam Rosenior on Wednesday after his side were smashed 3-0 by Brighton on Tuesday night, with Filipe Luis among the favourites to replace him.

The Englishman was only appointed in January to replace Enzo Maresca and had started well, winning six of his opening seven games in charge.

But once problems started to set in, they did not go away. Chelsea have lost seven of their last eight games across all competitions, with their only win coming against League One side Port Vale.

Tuesday’s result was the straw that broke the camel’s back, with Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck netting in a drubbing on the South Coast.

Luis is among the leading contenders to be Chelsea’s next manager, although a decision is not expected until the summer.

Betting odds narrow on Filipe Luis

Football Insider exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Chelsea will consider Cesc Fabregas and Luis in their hunt for their next manager.

The latter spent just one year with the Blues as a player, joining from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £20million in 2014 but featuring just 26 times before returning to the Spanish club.

He would later join Flamengo and hang up his boots there, taking his first steps into management in 2024.

In just 18 months, Luis guided his side to seven titles, including the Copa Libertadores, and was on course to win the Campeonato Carioca before he was sacked in March this year.

The former defender had just led his team to an 8-0 win in the semi-final before he was dismissed the same night, with the reasons unclear.

Some murmurs have claimed that Flamengo’s chief decision-maker learned of talks between Luis and Chelsea, while others have claimed that the decision was made on sporting grounds.

The 40-year-old has not returned to management since, but could well arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.

One major bookmaker has narrowed his odds of taking over Chelsea to 13/2 in recent hours, while Andoni Iraola continues to lead the race at 7/4.

Chelsea face key decision

Amid protests and poor form, Chelsea’s decision-makers do not carry much favour among the fanbase as of late.

Tuesday’s game saw chants repeatedly call for the exit of Rosenior and the board, with the result not helping the situation.

Chelsea fans have got one part of their wish, but they are unlikely to get the second. That will not dissuade protesters, however, who will continue into the summer.

For the chiefs at Stamford Bridge, their next management decision is vital. Get it wrong, and they could face a more permanent solution themselves.