Chelsea doing groundwork to appoint two-time title winner as Rosenior replacement

Chelsea are doing significant groundwork to appoint Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle, following Liam Rosenior’s departure.

Rosenior lasted just 23 games as manager of the Blues, and Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards believes the 41-year-old ‘playing up the media’ is one of the reasons he was unable to make it until the end of the season.

Results simply weren’t good enough either, as the Englishman lost five Premier League games on the spin before being put out of his misery on Wednesday night, with BlueCo deciding they’d seen enough after a 3-0 defeat at Brighton.

The ownership have also come under fire for hiring Rosenior in the first place, which makes it all the more important they get the next appointment right.

It was always going to be a gamble to bring in a manager with no Premier League experience, which may be why BlueCo are targeting AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and experienced Fulham boss Marco Silva as replacements.

Chelsea eyeing Jaissle as Iraola and Silva alternative

A shock alternative has also entered the frame, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Chelsea have now done ‘significant’ groundwork to appoint Matthias Jaisslewho is currently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Jaissle was previously at the helm of RB Salzburg, during which time he received major plaudits for his style of play from journalist Raj Chohan.

The German won two league titles and the Austrian Cup during his time with RB Salzburg, and he has since gone on to be successful in Saudi Arabia, winning two trophies with Al-Ahli.

However, despite having a proven track record of winning trophies, the 38-year-old is nearly three years younger than Rosenior and also has no experience managing a top club, so would certainly be a surprising and risky move.

Chelsea need Abramovich-style appointment

Roman Abramovich had a reputation for sacking managers too early, dismissing Carlo Ancelotti off the back of a second-place finish, despite the Italian winning an FA Cup and Premier League double in his first season.

However, the Russian’s ruthless approach throughout his tenure paid dividends, with Chelsea winning two Champions Leagues and a whole host of other trophies, and he actually gave managers a lot more time than BlueCo on average.

Abramovich had a tendency to bring in proven winners, such as Jose Mourinho, Antonie Conte and Thomas Tuchel, whereas BlueCo have gambled by appointing the likes of Graham Potter and Rosenior.

Having not won the Premier League in nine years, it is about time Chelsea appointed a manager with a track record of winning major honours.