Chelsea considering shock move for “incredible” Premier League manager instead of Iraola

Chelsea are eyeing Fulham’s Marco Silva to become their new manager, having sacked Liam Rosenior following the 3-0 loss at Brighton.

Rosenior sacked by Chelsea after less than four months in charge

The Blues’ form has nosedived since mid-March, losing their last five Premier League games on the spin, and the heavy defeat at the American Express Stadium was the final straw for the owners, with Rosenior losing his job on Wednesday.

Gary Neville has since taken aim at BlueCo’s policy of signing youngsters and handing out long deals to players and managers, saying: “The owners have got it badly wrong. I said at the time, they’ve got a group of talented players, young sporting directors in respect of the experience relating to Europe, you’ve got an ownership that’s young in respect that it’s only two or three years in. You need some experience somewhere in the club.

“These six-year, eight-year agreements, it’s almost laughable from the start. Whether it’s for a manager or a player. The owners don’t have a clue what they’re doing.”

Rosenior’s CV prior to moving to Stamford Bridge wasn’t exactly impressive, having spent time at Derby County, Hull City and Strasbourg, and it is perhaps about time the owners made a statement by bringing in a manager with more experience.

Andoni Iraola could fit the bill, having proven himself in the Premier League over the past three years with AFC Bournemouth, and contact has already been made regarding a move to west London.

The Spaniard has Bournemouth pushing for Europe, with his side overtaking Chelsea in the Premier League table after drawing 2-2 against Leeds United on Wednesday night.

Iraola isn’t the only Premier League boss on the shortlist though, as a report from the BBC states Fulham manager Silva is under consideration, with his contract at Craven Cottage set to expire at the end of the season.

Much like Iraola, the 48-year-old has built up plenty of Premier League experience, and he is the third-longest serving manager in the top flight, having been with the Cottagers since July 2021.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has lauded the ex-Everton boss, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, as “incredible”, and he has lifted four trophies during his managerial career, but it would be a shock to see him move to a West London rival.

That said, while Silva is vastly experienced in the Premier League, he hasn’t really proven himself at the very highest level, having taken charge of just 26 European matches, which would make him a somewhat questionable appointment.

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