Chelsea have reportedly made contact with the representative of a Premier League manager as the search for Liam Rosenior's replacement begins. The Blues sacked Rosenior four months into his managerial reign after a run of five consecutive league defeats without scoring a goal.
Chelsea Begin Inquiry Process to Replace Rosenior
Rosenior was appointed in January from BlueCo's other club, RC Strasbourg, after Italian manager Enzo Maresca resigned on New Year's Day. He started with good results but soon fell off, and with UEFA Champions League qualification at stake, the club dismissed him. Reports of player mutiny surfaced as some struggled to understand his ideas and decisions.
The club installed Calum McFarlane as interim for the second time this season. He won his first game in charge against Leeds United to help Chelsea reach the FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City.
Chelsea Contact Andoni Iraola
According to Football London, Chelsea have contacted the representative of Andoni Iraola to fill the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge. Iraola will leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season after three years, choosing not to renew his contract. He has yet to communicate his next move, and Chelsea's contact is to ascertain his plans.
Chelsea see this as an opportunity to bring him to Stamford Bridge, having eyed him as Maresca's replacement in the past. Nothing is reportedly advanced, but the Spaniard is seen as the forerunner, though other options exist.
Fan Opposition to Iraola Appointment
Chelsea fans immediately expressed opposition to the news. @amororo_samuel wrote: "Getting linked to Iraola says it all about the current level this club is operating now. A manager with 40% win rate in 400 games." @celery_v2 added: "Just doesn't excite me, sideways steps. You want Premier League experience and a free agent, Glasner's your man." @blue_footy commented: "If the noise is serious, we are going to hire Iraola. It probably means throwing away everything to establish a philosophy."
Chelsea's Options to Replace Rosenior
Legit.ng previously reported a list of managers who could replace Rosenior, including Iraola, who has now emerged as the forerunner after contact with his representatives.
