Andoni Iraola lead race to replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea

Outgoing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is reportedly leading the race to take over the vacant managerial role at Chelsea in the summer, following the sacking of manager Liam Rosenior on Wednesday.

Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior after several dismal performances by the team, following the English manager’s takeover from Enzo Maresca in January on a six-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Rosenior’s side failed to win a single game in their last five Premier League games -bringing an end to a disappointing stint at the Bridge, which saw him lose seven of his last eight matches in charge.

Outgoing Bournemouth boss Iraola is leading the pack to take over from Rosenior as the next Chelsea manager, according to reports from talkSPORT.

First team coach Calum McFarlane will take charge on an interim basis until the end of the season, before the BlueCo ownership decides on their fifth permanent appointment since 2022 in the summer.

The Spanish manager will be available as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season and is believed to be highly coveted by Blues co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season (Image: Getty Images)

Iraola has attracted significant interest after leading Bournemouth to the verge of European qualification for the first time in their history and a record unbeaten Premier League run.

The 43-year-old is believed to have rejected the serious approaches of Crystal Palace as they hunt for a successor for Oliver Glasner, who has announced his exit from Selhurst Park at the end of the season.

Other managers, such as Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, who was previously a contender after former boss Graham Potter was sacked in 2023, have seen their names appear amongst potential candidates to succeed Rosenior.

Former Chelsea managers José Mourinho and Frank Lampard have also been linked with a potential return to Stamford Bridge, with the latter fresh from guiding Coventry to promotion to the Premier League.

Elsewhere, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic, who is currently without a club, has been linked to the role.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli could also be considered, as well as ex-Blues defender Filipe Luis, who impressed whilst in charge of Brazilian outfit Flamengo before his departure in March.