Chelsea are hopeful of appointing their next permanent manager by the middle of June, football.london understands.
The club have been searching for a new head coach since parting company with Liam Rosenior last month. They subsequently turned once again to Calum McFarlane for a second interim spell, with the experienced coach now leading the team into Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
This summer appointment would represent Chelsea’s fifth permanent manager in just four years, underlining the instability that has characterised the post-Abramovich era at Stamford Bridge. However, the club appear determined to bring clarity to the situation before the transfer window fully opens.
Strong list of candidates
It is understood that Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva are among the leading candidates for the role. Other names linked with the vacancy include Cesc Fàbregas, Oliver Glasner, and Xavi.
Several of these managers will be available on free transfers this summer. Alonso and Xavi are already out of work, while Glasner is departing Crystal Palace and Iraola is leaving Bournemouth. The latter has also been linked with a potential move to Palace, adding another layer of intrigue to the managerial merry-go-round.
McFarlane’s interim impact
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the managerial position, McFarlane has delivered respectable results during his temporary spells in charge. He has secured valuable away draws against both Manchester City and Liverpool, and guided Chelsea to this weekend’s FA Cup final, including a semi-final victory over Leeds United.
Of Chelsea’s four wins in their last 13 matches across all competitions, three have come under McFarlane in the FA Cup. However, league form has been a major concern. The Blues have not won in the Premier League since early March and currently sit ninth in the table following Bournemouth’s recent win over Fulham.
Victory over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup final could yet salvage the season by securing a place in next season’s Europa League — ensuring three consecutive campaigns in different European competitions. Without it, Chelsea’s route into Europe looks extremely difficult, even with the possibility of six teams qualifying for the Champions League.
Tight race for European spots
The battle for mid-table and European places remains fiercely competitive. Bournemouth are currently favourites for the final European spot (should it become available via Aston Villa’s potential Europa League success and fifth-place finish), while Brighton and Brentford sit above Chelsea. Everton, Newcastle United, and Sunderland are also in contention for a top-half position.
Chelsea’s remaining Premier League fixtures are against Tottenham Hotspur — a match rearranged due to the FA Cup final — and Sunderland. Spurs could mathematically secure survival with a result at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.
As the season reaches its climax, Chelsea’s focus is split between a potential Wembley triumph and finalising the appointment of their next manager by mid-June. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether this transitional campaign ends on a high note and whether the club can finally bring stability to the dugout.