Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas have emerged as the favourites for the long-term Chelsea position after Liam Rosenior was sacked just three months into the job to leave the Blues in crisis.
Chelsea have sacked Rosenior following an awful run of form that has seen the Blues lose five Premier League games on the spin without scoring and left their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in tatters.
Calum McFarlane will take interim charge until the end of the season, with his first game coming this Sunday in a crunch FA Cup semi-final against rivals Leeds United at Wembley.
Chelsea said on Tuesday that they will “undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment” and must once again begin the hunt for a new manager.
Sources at the club said the club are not in active discussions with any candidates at this time, but it is understood Bournemouth boss Iraola is admired while former Blues midfielder Fabregas has impressed at Como.
Follow all the fallout from Rosenior’s sacking with our live blog below:
Chelsea sack Liam Rosenior - live updates
- Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas emerge as favourites for long-term Chelsea job
- Chelsea sack manager Liam Rosenior just three months into a six-year contract
- Chelsea will 'undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment'
- Calum McFarlane will take interim charge until the end of the season, starting with the FA Cup semi-final this Sunday
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager
11:40 , Lawrence OstlereMarco Silva
The Fulham manager has regularly been tipped to move on from Craven Cottage during his impressive five-year spell. He has a notable track record, winning trophies in Portugal and Greece in years gone by, and may feel he is ready for a new challenge at a Champions League club when his contract expires this summer.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager
11:30 , Lawrence OstlereCesc Fabregas
Like Felipe Luis, Fabregas would be something of a gamble given his lack of experience, having managed only one club, the Italian side Como. But Fabregas has worked wonders with the Serie A minnows and has them on the brink of European football next season. The 38-year-old is widely considered one of the brightest young coaches in the game.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager
11:20 , Lawrence OstlereAndoni Iraola
The Bournemouth manager, who will leave the south coast club this summer, has proven he can earn results in the Premier League while playing an attractive brand of football. He has also done it while improving young players and increasing their value, something that is clearly part of the current Chelsea project. But Iraola is reported to be considering a move back to his home club, Athletic Bilbao, for family reasons as much as football ones.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager
11:10 , Lawrence OstlereFelipe Luis
Felipe Luos was sacked by Flamengo last month, despite winning several trophies during his 100-game stint in charge of the Brazilian club. The former Chelsea defender would be a gamble, however, given his lask of experience coaching in European football.
Defeat to Brighton the final straw
11:00 , Mike JonesSupporters turned on the head coach during the dismal defeat on the south coast, with Rosenior admitting he felt “numb” in an astonishing post-match interview.
“It was unacceptable, in every aspect of the game. I keep coming out and defending the players, that was indefensible, that performance tonight,” he said.
“The manner of the goals we conceded, the duels that we lost. Something has to change drastically right here, right now.”
Rosenior gone three months into near-six year contract
10:50 , Mike JonesThe club’s decision to cut ties with Rosenior could prove an expensive decision, with the 41-year-old signing a five-and-a-half year contract in January to replace Enzo Maresca.
The Englishman arrived at Stamford Bridge having worked with Chelsea’s owners at French side Strasbourg, an affiliate club under BlueCo’s model.
Only last week, co-owner Behdad Eghbali insisted Chelsea were “behind Liam” despite their rocky run of form and said he had “every attribute to be successful”.
That faith has eroded rapidly.
Chelsea's results under Rosenior
10:40 , Mike JonesWhile the Blues started off well under their new boss originally, it did not take long to unravel, culminating in the club’s worst run of form since 1912 – with five losses in a row without scoring.
Here’s the full list of the Blues’ league results under the Englishman:
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea 3-2 West Ham
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea 2-2 Leeds
Chelsea 1-1 Burnley
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
Everton 3-0 Chelsea
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd
Brighton 3-0 Chelsea
How Chelsea's dismal run led to Rosenior's sacking
10:30 , Mike JonesChelsea have lost seven of their last eight games and have only beaten League One strugglers Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals during that run.
That victory is the only game Chelsea have scored in out of their last seven in all competitions since a stunning collapse away to Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea now look set to miss out on next season’s Champions League and face a fight to make it into Europe at all after Brighton went above them into sixth.
Why Chelsea had to sack Liam Rosenior and the true scale of the mess left behind
10:20 , Miguel DelaneyIt’s the sort of story that always comes out when a manager goes, but actually tends to indicate doom long before then. Even weeks before Liam Rosenior left Chelsea - a decision eventually confirmed on Wednesday evening - some players couldn’t help indulging in some of the unfair commentary.
Sources say some comments surrounded Liam Rosenoir’s decision not to wear his glasses at the training ground. One or two even joked about whether it was to look tougher.
This fed into a huge reason why the 41-year-old has now gone, and why Chelsea now face up to an FA Cup semi-final with Calum McFarlane again a stand-in. Rosenior never had full authority over that dressing room, in a development that was all too predictable. A promising young coach just wasn’t ready for this job, at this time, as anyone could have told the hierarchy.
Why Chelsea had to sack Liam Rosenior and the true scale of the mess left behind
Challenges facing Calum McFarlane
10:10 , Mike JonesWhile there are four more matches left of the Premier League season as McFarlane looks to secure some form of European football at Stamford Bridge, his first test is an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley this weekend.
The match marks a chance to keep Chelsea’s hunt for silverware this season alive, with the winner facing either Manchester City or Southampton in the final on 16 May.
While the hopes of Champions League football returning to Stamford Bridge hang by a thread after the loss to Brighton - with the Blues seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand – it is likely that McFarlane will name as strong a starting XI as possible against Leeds.
However, Chelsea are dealing with numerous injury problems, with Estevao now ruled out for the rest of the season and Reece James, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro among the other notable absentees of late.
Who is Calum McFarlane?
10:00 , Mike JonesCalum McFarlane previously held the interim manager role in January after Chelsea sacked Enzo Maresca, coaching the team against Manchester City and against Fulham in the Premier League.
After securing a draw against Pep Guardiola’s side, the Fulham game ended in a 2-1 defeat.
McFarlane joined Chelsea last summer from Southampton, where he spent two years overseeing their Under-21s and previously their Under-18s.
His extensive coaching career includes a three-year stint at Manchester City, working with their Under-15, Under-16, and Under-18 teams, between 2020 to 2023.
Prior to that, he spent three years at Tromso in Norway and held youth coaching roles at Fulham and Crystal Palace. He also served as assistant manager for non-league sides Croydon and Whyteleafe.
Calum McFarlane to take interim charge
09:50 , Mike JonesCalum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season, starting with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.
Rosenior sacking comes after Brighton defeat
09:40 , Mike JonesLiam Rosenior’s sacking follows Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday evening.
It was the club’s fifth loss in as many Premier League games and leaves the Blues sitting seventh in the table and seven points behind Liverpool in fifth who occupy the final Champions League place.
Brighton, meanwhile, jumped ahead of Chelsea into sixth with that win.
After that loss, Rosenior said: “I’m not throwing anyone under the bus. That was an unacceptable performance, and I’m at the head of that.
“We’re playing for Chelsea, I’m managing Chelsea, the criticism and pressure comes with the football club.
“If you can’t handle that then you shouldn’t be here. It’s as simple as that. That’s something that needs to be addressed this week but it also needs to be addressed in the long term.
“We need to make the correct decisions for the team for a massive game on Sunday and we’ll do the very best we can to turn it around.”
Rosenior sacked by Chelsea
09:30 , Mike JonesRosenior was only appointed in January and was viewed as a long-term successor to Enzo Maresca, following the Italian’s sudden departure.
The Englishman arrived at Stamford Bridge having worked with Chelsea’s owners at French side Strasbourg, an affiliate club under the BlueCo model.
And last week, co-owner Behdad Eghbali insisted Chelsea were “behind Liam” despite their rocky run of form and said he had “every attribute to be successful”.
But the nature of the defeat to Brighton has forced the club into a drastic move ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley.
Chelsea's club statement
09:20 , Mike JonesThe club statement of Liam Rosenior’s sacking reads: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment mid-way through the season.
“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.”
Liam Rosenior sacked by Chelsea three months into six-year contract
09:10 , Mike JonesLiam Rosenior has been sacked by Chelsea just three months after signing a six-year contract at the Premier League club.
Rosenior, 41, tore into his players following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday and said their performance was “indefensible”. The loss was Chelsea’s fifth in a row in the Premier League without scoring, making it the club’s worst run of league form in 114 years.
Liam Rosenior sacked by Chelsea three months into six-year contract
Chelsea shift approach to finding new manager?
09:00 , Mike JonesChelsea FC said: “As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
This appears to be the key line in the club’s statement, and could point to a shift in the type of management they covet.
After Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, two young, unproven head coaches, it might be time for an experienced manager, who can command the respect of the group, who, despite being young, have won major trophies, including the World Cup.
Terry encourages players to focus on next game
08:50 , Mike Jones“We will not be playing in European football, I hope I am wrong. Really, really frustrated and worried more importantly,” said John Terry
“I feel the anger, feel the frustration of the Chelsea supporters. But listen, I’ve seen 17 managers in my era come and go as Chelsea captain. What the players have to do is just get together and really focus on the weekend’s game and forget about all the noise around and everything.
“We have a massive game, it is really difficult but also really easy to do as players to forget the noise and focus on what’s ahead of you and that is the Leeds game at the weekend.
“We’ve seen this time and time and time again, but maybe the future isn’t as clear as we’ve always seen.”
Terry worried about future of Chelsea
08:40 , Mike JonesJohn Terry also spoke about the future of Chelsea and admitted that he is worried the club might not be able to bounce back quickly.
“I sit here worrying tonight about what is going to happen with our football club,” he said.
“Looking at us needing a manager after the weekend, I’m not sure when ownership are going to make a decision and bring a new manager in.
“Is a real top manager going to come to Chelsea football club at the moment in the position we are in?
“Can’t buy players, looking like we are going to have to sell potentially and that will be our best players, which is always tough.”
John Terry snubbed by new Chelsea interim
08:32 , Mike JonesFormer Chelsea captain, John Terry, says he has not received a call from Calum McFarlane to join the interim boss’ staff until the end of the season.
Terry has a part-time consultancy role within Chelsea's academy and admitted he had been frustrated to have been overlooked to be part of McFarlane's staff.
“I am not sure what Calum’s backroom staff is going to look like, I have not had a call, I have not had a message,” Terry said.
“I will be continuing my role in the academy, I will be in the academy tomorrow, a big couple of games coming up.
“We will all get behind Calum, he did a great job away against Man City previously and we will get behind the boys because that is what we do.”
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola responds to Chelsea links
08:23 , Jamie BraidwoodAndoni Iraola was tight-lipped on reports linking him with taking over at Chelsea in the summer following the sacking of Liam Rosenior.
Speaking after Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with Leeds last night, Iraola said: “For me now it’s about Bournemouth, four games (to go).
“We have an incredible position, an incredible fight (for Europe). As a sign of respect for Bournemouth, I cannot talk right now about my future.”
It has already been confirmed that Iraola will be leaving the club, and will be succeeded in Dorset by German coach Marco Rose.
Gary Neville: 'The owners haven't got a clue'
07:00 , Flo CliffordFormer Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Chelsea’s owners and players after the club announced the dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge.
“I am not shocked that Liam is leaving the club. I am shocked he is leaving today, I thought at the end of the season it probably would happen,” said Neville on Sky Sports.
“This policy at Chelsea, I don’t really see it. These six-year, eight-year agreements that you see, it’s laughable from the start, whether it be for a manager or a player. The owners haven’t got a clue what they’re doing.”
Neville added Rosenior “should get on with his life tomorrow”.
“Pretend the last 107 days never happened, go and get another job at a club you can trust, and leave the mess that exists at Chelsea behind.”
Gary Neville tears into Chelsea hierarchy after announcement of Liam Rosenior sacking
Chelsea shift approach to finding new manager?
06:00 , Flo CliffordChelsea FC: “As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
This appears to be the key line in the club’s statement, and could point to a shift in the type of management they covet.
After Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, two young, unproven head coaches, it might be time for an experienced manager, who can command the respect of the group, who, despite being young, have won major trophies, including the World Cup.
Challenges facing Calum McFarlane
05:00 , Flo CliffordWhile there are four more matches left of the Premier League season as McFarlane looks to secure some form of European football at Stamford Bridge, his first test is an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley this weekend.
The match marks a chance to keep Chelsea’s hunt for silverware this season alive, with the winner facing either Manchester City or Southampton in the final on 16 May.
While the hopes of Champions League football returning to Stamford Bridge hang by a thread after the loss to Brighton - with the Blues seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand – it is likely that McFarlane will name as strong a starting XI as possible against Leeds.
However, Chelsea are dealing with numerous injury problems, with Estevao now ruled out for the rest of the season and Reece James, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro among the other notable absentees of late.
Who is Calum McFarlane?
04:00 , Flo CliffordCalum McFarlane previously held the interim manager role in January after Chelsea sacked Enzo Maresca, coaching the team against Manchester City and against Fulham in the Premier League.
After securing a draw against Pep Guardiola’s side, the Fulham game ended in a 2-1 defeat.
McFarlane joined Chelsea last summer from Southampton, where he spent two years overseeing their Under-21s and previously their Under-18s.
His extensive coaching career includes a three-year stint at Manchester City, working with their Under-15, Under-16, and Under-18 teams, between 2020 to 2023.
Prior to that, he spent three years at Tromso in Norway and held youth coaching roles at Fulham and Crystal Palace. He also served as assistant manager for non-league sides Croydon and Whyteleafe.
Far from the driver of Chelsea’s decline, Liam Rosenior is mere collateral damage of the disastrous BlueCo era
03:00 , Richard JollySo now Liam Rosenior’s LinkedIn profile requires updating. The manager given the cruel moniker of ‘LinkedIn Liam’ may struggle to spin a three-and-a-half month spell at Chelsea into a learning experience that leaves him ready for his next challenge.
Rather, it must have been a horribly bruising experience. Rosenior did not even enter the last five years of his five-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge. Though not the shortest managerial tenure in his family, after his father Leroy's 10 minutes in charge of Torquay in 2007, his 23-game reign gave him the shortest tenure of any supposedly permanent head coach in Chelsea history.
The risk is the permanent element is the harm done to Rosenior.
Rosenior’s tragic departure risks leaving him as collateral damage of BlueCo era
How Chelsea could line up in FA Cup semi-final under Calum McFarlane
02:00 , Chris WilsonThe interim boss lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation in both of his previous games in charge, and opted for different goalkeepers in both, with Robert Sanchez used in the draw with City and Filip Jorgensen playing against the Cottagers.
With Jorgensen out, Sanchez will start in goal, while Trevoh Chalobah and Malo Gusto will likely start in defence as the pair started both previous games under McFarlane.
Marc Cucurella will likely play at left-back, while Wesley Fofana feels like the best option as a partner for Chalobah at centre-back despite being out injured when McFarlane took over before.
Injuries meant McFarlane needed to use a makeshift midfield against City, but the use of Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos against Fulham gives a clue as to his preferred midfield pairing.
In attack, Palmer was used on the right against Fulham while Estevao played against City, though with the Brazilian injured it could be that Palmer is used wide with Enzo Fernandez down the middle.
Finally, Pedro Neto played both games on the left wing, and while Liam Delap was used and scored against Fulham, McFarlane will surely prefer Joao Pedro if the Brazilian has recovered in time.
Predicted Chelsea XI against Leeds: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro.
How Chelsea could line up in FA Cup semi-final after Liam Rosenior sacked
Rosenior's final five games
01:20 , Flo CliffordA sudden downturn in form in his last five games spelled the end for Rosenior’s very brief reign.
- March 14: Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
- March 21: Everton 3-0 Chelsea
- April 12: Chelsea 0-3 Man City
- April 18: Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd
- April 21: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea
Rosenior's record at Chelsea (all competitions)
Wednesday 22 April 2026 23:50 , Flo CliffordGames: 23
Wins: 11
Win percentage: 47.8 per cent
Goals scored: 47 (none in the last five games, a record worst run in 114 years)
Goals conceded: 38
Gary Neville: 'The owners haven't got a clue'
Wednesday 22 April 2026 23:30 , Flo CliffordNeville says: “This policy at Chelsea, I don’t really see it. These six-year, eight-year agreements that you see, it’s laughable from the start, whether it be for a manager or a player. The owners haven’t got a clue what they’re doing.”
Neville adds Rosenior “should get on with his life tomorrow”.
“Pretend the last 107 days never happened, go and get another job at a club you can trust, and leave the mess that exists at Chelsea behind.
“They’re all over the place. I just don’t get it really. You deserve what you get in football. It’s a reflection on them, not the coach. You don’t turn down a job like that, but he just needs to put it behind him as quickly as you possibly can.
“The fans will be disgusted by the way that this is gone. The way in which it’s happened, it’s just not right. It’s a reflection upon you [the owners] when you get it wrong.”
Gary Neville tears into Chelsea owners after announcement of Liam Rosenior sacking
Wednesday 22 April 2026 23:10 , Flo CliffordGary Neville continues: “The coach always takes the hit, they know they’re the ones who get sacked. It’s easier to move a coach out than it is to move 25 players, owners are never going to sack ourselves, and sporting directors aren’t likely to either.
“The owners are getting it really badly wrong there, let's be clear. I said at the time, they’ve got a group of talented players, you’ve got an ownership that’s relatively young two or three years in, and you need some experience somewhere in the club.
“The results have not been good enough, but come on. [Marc] Cucurella and [Enzo] Fernandez stitching him up in the last few weeks and saying they love Maresca,” said Neville, referring to comments made by the experienced duo.”
Gary Neville tears into Chelsea owners after announcement of Liam Rosenior sacking
Wednesday 22 April 2026 22:50 , Flo CliffordFormer Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Chelsea’s owners and players after the club announced the dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge.
“I am not shocked that Liam is leaving the club. I am shocked he is leaving today, I thought at the end of the season it probably would happen,” said Neville on Sky Sports.
"I don't think it is a reflection on Liam [Rosenior] at all. He will be disappointed with that [losing games]. I think it is time for the owners, sporting directors and players to reflect on their role in terms of what’s happened in the last few weeks.”
Mario Melchiot: Chelsea 'must have a plan in place'
Wednesday 22 April 2026 22:30 , Flo CliffordMario Melchiot said of Rosenior’s sacking: “At the end of the day the club needs to play Champions League next season”.
“That’s why they had to make the change. I understand that the journey wasn’t as long as he planned, but he couldn’t move things around. I heard him say he can’t keep defending my players, and that made a difference for me. Of course you’re going to look at the players, but you also have to look at who brought him in. How did they bring him in? For me, everything went a little bit too quick.
“If you want to be a big club, if you are one, you’re going to have managers with strong egos. You have to make a choice. You know where my trust will come from? If they take the time. They must have a plan in place to make sure they can get the club out of the situation they’re in. I want to make sure it’s a manager who can handle the club and the team,” added the former Blues defender.
Chelsea's remaining fixtures
Wednesday 22 April 2026 22:15 , Flo CliffordApril 26: FA Cup semi-final v Leeds
May 4: Nottingham Forest (H) - Premier League
May 9: Liverpool (A) - Premier League
May 17: Tottenham (H) - Premier League
April 25: Sunderland (A) - Premier League
Why Chelsea had to sack Liam Rosenior and the true scale of the mess left behind
Wednesday 22 April 2026 22:00 , Miguel DelaneyIt’s the sort of story that always comes out when a manager goes, but actually tends to indicate doom long before then. Even weeks before Liam Rosenior left Chelsea - a decision eventually confirmed on Wednesday evening - some players couldn’t help indulging in some of the unfair commentary.
Sources say some comments surrounded Liam Rosenoir’s decision not to wear his glasses at the training ground. One or two even joked about whether it was to look tougher.
This fed into a huge reason why the 41-year-old has now gone, and why Chelsea now face up to an FA Cup semi-final with Calum McFarlane again a stand-in. Rosenior never had full authority over that dressing room, in a development that was all too predictable. A promising young coach just wasn’t ready for this job, at this time, as anyone could have told the hierarchy.
Why Chelsea had to sack Liam Rosenior and the true scale of the mess left behind
Challenges facing Calum McFarlane
Wednesday 22 April 2026 21:45 , Flo CliffordWhile there are four more matches left of the Premier League season as McFarlane looks to secure some form of European football at Stamford Bridge, his first test is an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley this weekend.
The match marks a chance to keep Chelsea’s hunt for silverware this season alive, with the winner facing either Manchester City or Southampton in the final on 16 May.
While the hopes of Champions League football returning to Stamford Bridge hang by a thread after the loss to Brighton - with the Blues seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand – it is likely that McFarlane will name as strong a starting XI as possible against Leeds.
However, Chelsea are dealing with numerous injury problems, with Estevao now ruled out for the rest of the season and Reece James, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro among the other notable absentees of late.
Who is Calum McFarlane?
Wednesday 22 April 2026 21:32 , Flo CliffordCalum McFarlane previously held the interim manager role in January after Chelsea sacked Enzo Maresca, coaching the team against Manchester City and against Fulham in the Premier League.
After securing a draw against Pep Guardiola’s side, the Fulham game ended in a 2-1 defeat.
McFarlane joined Chelsea last summer from Southampton, where he spent two years overseeing their Under-21s and previously their Under-18s.
His extensive coaching career includes a three-year stint at Manchester City, working with their Under-15, Under-16, and Under-18 teams, between 2020 to 2023.
Prior to that, he spent three years at Tromso in Norway and held youth coaching roles at Fulham and Crystal Palace. He also served as assistant manager for non-league sides Croydon and Whyteleafe.
Chelsea are on the verge of mutiny thanks to BlueCo – here’s how it went so drastically wrong
Wednesday 22 April 2026 21:20 , Will CastleComment: Chelsea’s harrowing defeat to Brighton took them to a low not felt in 114 years with BlueCo’s project showing little signs of life – can the blame really be pinned on anyone else?
Chelsea on verge of mutiny thanks to BlueCo – here’s how it went so wrong
Marc Cucurella’s barber appears to leak Chelsea team news before Brighton defeat
Wednesday 22 April 2026 21:08 , Will CastleIncidents like this have certainly contributed to the recent Chelsea farce...
Marc Cucurella may be in hot water after his barber appeared to leak Chelsea’s team news ahead of their dismal defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night.
An image of Cucurella getting his hair cut was posted on X prior to kick-off, accompanied by the caption: “[Cole] Palmer and Joao Pedro both injured tonight. There’s your exclusive.”
The post was then hastily removed and the account has since been deleted.
Both Palmer and Joao Pedro were absent from the clash at the Amex Stadium, which saw a spineless Chelsea side slump to a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Seagulls.
Marc Cucurella’s barber appears to leak Chelsea team news before Brighton defeat
The real reasons Chelsea are in crisis – and it’s not Liam Rosenior
Wednesday 22 April 2026 20:55 , Chris WilsonFollowing the loss to Man Utd, we took a look at the ‘real reasons’ behind Chelsea’s crisis...
What a difference nine months makes. Rewind back to July 2025 and Chelsea were being crowned champions of the world, having beaten Champions League winners PSG with a dominant display that offered plenty of promise for the future.
While the merits of that trophy can be debated, the manner of the win was encouraging for the fans, players and the club hierarchy, justifying the entry into the Club World Cup, while showing that the Blues can go toe-to-toe with the best sides in the world.
Questions remained, but Enzo Maresca and his players had done their part at the end of a season that had seen triumph in the Conference League and a top-four finish. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was something to build on.
The real reasons Chelsea are in crisis – and it’s not Liam Rosenior
Trevoh Chalobah insists Chelsea were ‘running their socks off’ in Brighton debacle despite damning statistic
Wednesday 22 April 2026 20:41 , Chris WilsonTrevoh Chalobah was adamant that Chelsea were “running their socks off” during pitiful defeat to Brighton despite a damning statistic suggesting otherwise.
The Blues were hammered 3-0 at the Amex Stadium, as goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and substitute Danny Welbeck saw Brighton leapfrog them into sixth in the Premier League table and severely dent their Champions League qualification hopes.
For the 34th times in 34 games this season, Chelsea were outrun by their opponents (no other side has been outrun more than 29 times) and they remain marooned at the bottom of the distance run per game table, with an average of 106.1km, more than two kilometres less than Nottingham Forest, who are 19th in that statistic.
Chalobah insists Chelsea were ‘running their socks off’ despite damning statistic
Chelsea suffer fresh blow as Estevao injury diagnosis puts World Cup hopes in doubt
Wednesday 22 April 2026 20:30 , Flo CliffordChelsea have been dealt another injury blow as scans confirmed the extent of the hamstring issue suffered by Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, with the 18-year-old set to miss the rest of the club season and potentially the 2026 World Cup.
Estevao was forced off just 17 minutes into the 1-0 loss to Man Utd last weekend after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, and subsequent scans have confirmed a strain, according to The Athletic.
The Brazilian has reportedly suffered a “grade four hamstring injury” and will miss Chelsea’s remaining four matches of the Premier League season, as well as the FA Cup final if the Blues manage to qualify. It is an issue that has plunged the club further into chaos on the day that the dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior was also announced.
Liam Rosenior turns on Chelsea players and warns ‘something has to change’
Wednesday 22 April 2026 20:16 , Jamie BraidwoodThis is how Rosenior reacted after that embarrassing defeat on Tuesday night...
A furious Liam Rosenior accused his Chelsea players of lacking “desire, spirit and courage” and said they put in an “unacceptable and indefensible” performance as defeat to Brighton marked the club’s worst run of form in 114 years.
Rosenior said he felt “numb” and “angry” after Chelsea suffered a fifth defeat in a row in the Premier League without scoring a goal and brilliant Brighton went above them into sixth in the table with a fully deserved 3-0 win on the south coast.
The nature of Rosenior’s post-match comments were a departure from his support of a young, expensively assembled Chelsea squad, while his own future is now also in the spotlight ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds at Wembley.
Liam Rosenior turns on Chelsea players and warns ‘something has to change’
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager – and one coach who won’t take the job
Wednesday 22 April 2026 20:00 , Flo CliffordAnd one unlikely name...
Frank Lampard
Lampard would be a popular pick among fans at a time when the club is drifting and supporter sentiment is at a deep low. But surely the Coventry manager will not be tempted by a risky jump to Stamford Bridge – again – having just steered his team to the Championship title and a return to the premier League after 25 years away.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager – and one coach who won’t take the job
Wednesday 22 April 2026 19:50 , Flo CliffordXabi Alonso
The former Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager is still out of work after his time at the Santiago Bernabeu was cut short earlier this season. He may be holding out for the Liverpool job, giving his links to Anfield, but Alonso will no doubt be considered by the Chelsea hierarchy and remains one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager – and one coach who won’t take the job
Wednesday 22 April 2026 19:40 , Flo CliffordMarco Silva
The Fulham manager has regularly been tipped with moving on from Craven Cottage during his impressive five-year spell. He has an impressive track record, winning trophies in Portugal and Greece, and may feel he is ready for a new challenge.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager – and one coach who won’t take the job
Wednesday 22 April 2026 19:30 , Flo CliffordCesc Fabregas
Like Felipe Luis, Fabregas would be something of a gamble given his lack of experience, having managed only one club, the Italian side Como. But Fabregas has worked wonders with the Serie A minnows and has them on the brink of European football next season. The 38-year-old is widely considered one of the brightest young coaches in the game.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager – and one coach who won’t take the job
Wednesday 22 April 2026 19:20 , Flo CliffordAndoni Iraola
The Bournemouth manager has proven he can earn results in the Premier League while playing an attractive brand of football. He has also done it while improving young players and increasing their value, something that is clearly part of the current Chelsea project. But Iraola is reported to be considering a move back to his home club, Athletic Bilbao, for family reasons as much as football ones.
Five candidates to be Chelsea’s next manager – and one coach who won’t take the job
Wednesday 22 April 2026 19:10 , Flo CliffordChief Sports Writer Lawrence Ostlere has the run-down on some of the major names in contention to replace Liam Rosenior.
Felipe Luis
Felipe Luis was sacked by Flamengo last month, despite winning several trophies during his 100-game stint in charge of the Brazilian club. The former Chelsea defender would be a gamble, however, given his lack of experience coaching in European football.
Far from the driver of Chelsea’s decline, Liam Rosenior is mere collateral damage of the disastrous BlueCo era
Wednesday 22 April 2026 19:00 , Richard JollySenior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly analyses where the true blame lies for Chelsea’s collapse under Liam Rosenior:
So now Liam Rosenior’s LinkedIn profile requires updating. The manager given the cruel moniker of ‘LinkedIn Liam’ may struggle to spin a three-and-a-half month spell at Chelsea into a learning experience that leaves him ready for his next challenge.
Rather, it must have been a horribly bruising experience. Rosenior did not even enter the last five years of his five-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge. Though not the shortest managerial tenure in his family, after his father Leroy's 10 minutes in charge of Torquay in 2007, his 23-game reign gave him the shortest tenure of any supposedly permanent head coach in Chelsea history.
The risk is the permanent element is the harm done to Rosenior.
Rosenior’s tragic departure risks leaving him as collateral damage of BlueCo era
Alan Smith: 'He didn't really look like a Chelsea manager'
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:53 , Flo CliffordAlan Smith continues: “I'd be amazed if they went with a young up and coming manager, you have to have a presence, you have to have that aura to command. It's hard to manage successful ones, I don't think he quite had that. The optics, the look of Liam, he didn't really look like a Chelsea manager. Clearly the players lost faith in him, and very quickly after just 23 games.”
Alan Smith: 'I thought it was a job too soon... you need to have something about you'
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:46 , Flo CliffordFormer England international Alan Smith said: “Not overly surprised, when Liam came out, criticised his players and team. That's the last word in a manager's tenure, there seems a disconnect between the players and the manager. I thought it was a job too soon. Top class players, World Cup winners, you really need to have something about you. It's easy to lose them.
“Liam thinks about his tactics, really closely, maybe sometimes he overthinks, the line-up last night, what was the shape, he changed it at half-time. Early on he got some good results. They hit the slump and there's no sign of them getting out of it, 23 games, it's not many is it.
“Enzo came out, Cucurella said stuff, the fans were shouting for him to get out, it's then very difficult. Everything seemed stacked against him.
“He's the figure in front of the camera, he represents the ownership, he's unfortunate, but he knew the deal when he came in. He knew the score. He would've realised it wasn't going well. Hopefully he'll bounce back and repair his confidence.”
The night Chelsea’s failed experiment sunk to breaking point
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:38 , Miguel DelaneyA reflection on what might have been the final straw for Chelsea’s owners as the team fell to a hapless 3-0 defeat away at Brighton...
It was one of those games where you’d love to focus on Brighton’s performance but, at the end of yet another chastening evening, it was hard to take the eyes off the Chelsea captain. There was Enzo Fernandez, standing there mostly motionless in front of the away crowd, other than shrugging his shoulders. That he was wearing the armband only two weeks after being dropped from the first team added to the sense of farce, of a club shredded by so many bad decisions.
What was Fernandez actually doing here? What was he thinking? Maybe it was an apt image in its own bizarre way, because you can say this of the entire club right now. “A sad night for the club”, as one Chelsea insider said. Most visibly, there’s just the way they’re playing. What is Liam Rosenior trying to do?
Well, whatever it is, the players aren’t responding. This dismal run has now added up to the club’s worst run since 1912.
The night Chelsea’s failed experiment sunk to breaking point
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: Chelsea need to get club structure sorted
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:30 , Flo CliffordFormer Chelsea player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has weighed in on the situation.
He said on Sky Sports News: “I think the owners and people above, they'll be disappointed, they never thought they'd have that much turnaround in this position. What the statement says is refreshing, they'll reflect on that, and see how they can improve that.
“Every club doing well has that position stabilised, that's what they need to go back to, what's the identity of the club, in the structure, what that is, maybe they need to treat that structure. It needs to be sorted, it cannot keep going.”
Chelsea's results under Rosenior
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:24 , Chris WilsonWhile the Blues started off well under their new boss originally, it did not take long to unravel, culminating in the club’s worst run of form since 1912 – with five losses in a row without scoring.
Here’s the full list of the Blues’ league results under the Englishman:
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea 3-2 West Ham
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea 2-2 Leeds
Chelsea 1-1 Burnley
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
Everton 3-0 Chelsea
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd
Brighton 3-0 Chelsea
Rosenior gone three months into near-six year contract
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:17 , Flo CliffordThe club’s decision to cut ties with Rosenior could prove an expensive decision, with the 41-year-old signing a five-and-a-half year contract in January to replace Enzo Maresca.
The Englishman arrived at Stamford Bridge having worked with Chelsea’s owners at French side Strasbourg, an affiliate club under BlueCo’s model.
Only last week, co-owner Behdad Eghbali insisted Chelsea were “behind Liam” despite their rocky run of form and said he had “every attribute to be successful”.
That faith has eroded rapidly.
Chelsea's full statement
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:10 , Flo Clifford“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.
“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.
“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment mid-way through the season.
“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.
“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.
“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
Defeat to Brighton the final straw
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:03 , Flo CliffordSupporters turned on the head coach during the dismal defeat on the south coast, with Rosenior admitting he felt “numb” in an astonishing post-match interview.
“It was unacceptable, in every aspect of the game. I keep coming out and defending the players, that was indefensible, that performance tonight,” he said.
“The manner of the goals we conceded, the duels that we lost. Something has to change drastically right here, right now.”
Chelsea shift approach to finding new manager?
Wednesday 22 April 2026 18:01 , Jack RathbornChelsea FC: “As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
This appears to be the key line in the club’s statement, and could point to a shift in the type of management they covet.
After Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, two young, unproven head coaches, it might be time for an experienced manager, who can command the respect of the group, who, despite being young, have won major trophies, including the World Cup.
How Chelsea's dismal run led to Rosenior's sacking
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:56 , Flo CliffordChelsea have lost seven of their last eight games and have only beaten League One strugglers Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals during that run.
That victory is the only game Chelsea have scored in out of their last seven in all competitions since a stunning collapse away to Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea now look set to miss out on next season’s Champions League and face a fight to make it into Europe at all after Brighton went above them into sixth.
Rosenior sacking comes after Brighton defeat
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:48 , Flo CliffordLiam Rosenior’s sacking follows Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday evening.
It was the club’s fifth loss in as many Premier League games and leaves the Blues sitting seventh in the table and seven points behind Liverpool in fifth who occupy the final Champions League place.
Brighton, meanwhile, jumped ahead of Chelsea into sixth with that win.
After that loss, Rosenior said: “I’m not throwing anyone under the bus. That was an unacceptable performance, and I’m at the head of that.
“We’re playing for Chelsea, I’m managing Chelsea, the criticism and pressure comes with the football club.
“If you can’t handle that then you shouldn’t be here. It’s as simple as that. That’s something that needs to be addressed this week but it also needs to be addressed in the long term.
“We need to make the correct decisions for the team for a massive game on Sunday and we’ll do the very best we can to turn it around.”
Calum McFarlane to take interim charge
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:42 , Flo CliffordCalum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season, starting with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.
Rosenior sacked by Chelsea
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:36 , Flo CliffordRosenior was only appointed in January and was viewed as a long-term successor to Enzo Maresca, following the Italian’s sudden departure.
The Englishman arrived at Stamford Bridge having worked with Chelsea’s owners at French side Strasbourg, an affiliate club under the BlueCo model.
And last week, co-owner Behdad Eghbali insisted Chelsea were “behind Liam” despite their rocky run of form and said he had “every attribute to be successful”.
But the nature of the defeat to Brighton has forced the club into a drastic move ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley.
Club statement
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:30 , Flo CliffordA club statement read: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment mid-way through the season.
“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.”
Liam Rosenior departs Chelsea
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:25 , Mike JonesChelsea have parted ways with Liam Rosenior as their head coach after the worst run of results in 114 years.
Chelsea have lost their last five Premier League matches under Rosenior and they are now at risk of missing out on a place in the Champions League next season.
Rosenior took over from Enzo Maresca after the former Chelsea boss was sacked in January and Chelsea will now “undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment”.
Liam Rosenior sacked by Chelsea three months into six-year contract
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:23 , Mike JonesLiam Rosenior has been sacked by Chelsea just three months after signing a six-year contract at the Premier League club.
Rosenior, 41, tore into his players following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday and said their performance was “indefensible”. The loss was Chelsea’s fifth in a row in the Premier League without scoring, making it the club’s worst run of league form in 114 years.
Liam Rosenior sacked by Chelsea three months into six-year contract
LIAM ROSENIOR SACKED BY CHELSEA
Wednesday 22 April 2026 17:21 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has been dismissed from his post following a string of poor results that left the club’s hopes of Champions League football hanging by a thread.
The club’s worst run since 1912 saw Chelsea lose five games in a row without scoring, and despite a fairly encouraging start from Rosenior months ago, the young Englishman has been sacked by the club’s controversial BlueCo. ownership.
The club now begin another search for a new manager to try and steady the ship at Stamford Bridge, and we’ll have all the latest reaction and updates right here.
