The Hard Tackle lists three managers Chelsea should pursue to become the senior side’s next head coach after sacking Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea have made a bold move by parting ways with head coach Liam Rosenior, as confirmed in their official club statement. Calum McFarlane steps in as the interim boss until the 2025/26 season wraps up, with the focus on grabbing European spots and pushing in the FA Cup.

Rosenior’s rollercoaster ride at Chelsea

Liam Rosenior walked into Stamford Bridge midway through the season, taking over from Enzo Maresca back in January with a shiny five-and-a-half-year deal. Fans hoped he would bring fresh energy from his time at RC Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, and steady the ship for a squad packed with young talent.

The early days looked promising, with the team picking up points and showing glimpses of the attacking flair everyone expected from a Chelsea side built for big things. However, that bright start did not last long.

Rosenior’s men began to stutter as defences tightened up and the goals dried up. What followed was a nightmare stretch in the Premier League, including five straight losses without netting a single goal, the worst run since 1912. Matches turned into frustrating slogs, with fans growing restless, and players looking lost on the pitch, unable to break down even mid-table sides.

The hammer really fell after a humiliating 3-0 drubbing at Brighton, capping that goal-less horror show. Rosenior called out his squad’s display as “indefensible”, but it was too late. The board had seen enough of the slump. Even with dreams of Champions League football still alive earlier, this mess pushed Chelsea’s bosses over the edge. And it was not just league woes.

Chelsea crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16, hammered 2-5 away and then 0-3 at home to PSG for a brutal 2-8 aggregate defeat. Defensive meltdowns and wasted chances left the European dream in tatters, piling pressure on Rosenior like never before.

Now, with McFarlane in temporary charge, the summer looms large, and Chelsea need a head coach who can unlock this talented bunch and end the chaos. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three managers Chelsea should target to replace Rosenior this summer.

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola tops the wishlist for Chelsea’s next boss, and it is easy to see why his high-energy style fits like a glove. At Bournemouth, he has turned heads with a game plan built on pressing high up the park and hitting teams fast when the ball is won back. His side rank among the best for stealing possession near the opponent’s box, leading to quick shots and goals, exactly what Chelsea’s speedy forwards like Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro crave.

Iraola loves feeding the number nine right after a turnover, catching defences off guard when they are scrambled. Picture that at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea’s young attackers exploding forward, turning turnovers into tap-ins. The Spaniard’s man-management shines too, as he has kept Bournemouth punching above their weight in the Premer League, blending grit with flair, much like Pep Guardiola praises as the future of the game.

For a Chelsea squad still finding its feet, Iraola could mold them into relentless hunters. He is no stranger to the Premier League grind, thriving on the south coast despite limited resources. That experience means he should hit the ground running, tweaking Chelsea’s setup without the culture shock.

Iraola’s direct approach suits a team with pace to burn but needing better structure. But landing him won’t be a stroll in the park. Manchester United are circling, eyeing him as their next big move amid their own struggles. With his Bournemouth exit confirmed ahead of the end of the 2025/26 season, the Red Devils could pounce hard, making Chelsea’s chase a real scrap.

Julian Nagelsmann

Julian Nagelsmann brings proven silverware and tactical brains that could transform Chelsea overnight. His Bundesliga triumph with Bayern Munich in 2021/22 showed he knows how to boss big games and squeeze the best from stars. Nagelsmann’s flexible systems would unlock Chelsea’s mix of creators like Enzo Fernandez and finishers up top.

What stands out is his knack for handling egos and drilling discipline into squads. At Bayern, he grabbed the DFL-Supercup twice and earned nods as Germany’s top coach. For Chelsea’s youthful dressing room, his blend of tough love and innovation could build winners, turning raw talent into a unit that grinds out results week in, week out.

The German tactician has got that title pedigree, thriving under pressure at elite clubs and with Germany now. Nagelsmann adapts to what is in front of him, perfect for a Blues side needing stability after the Rosenior flop. His teams play smart, controlled football that racks up points, making him ideal for pushing back into the Champions League spots.

However, competition for the 38-year-old manager’s will be fierce. Liverpool have chatted with his camp about a Premier move, while Manchester United lurk as well. Nagelsmann dreams of moving to England, but these giants could drive up the price and drama in Chelsea’s pursuit.

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso rounds out the dream trio, with his unbeaten Bundesliga charge at Bayer Leverkusen showcasing his pedigree. The Spaniard flipped a middling side into attackers with bite, mixing bold possession play and fierce defending. Chelsea’s squad, full of technical midfielders and wing wizards, would eat up his style, leading to quick build-up, overloads on the flanks, and no-fear mentality.

Alonso’s magic lies in creating team spirit from chaos, turning Leverkusen into contenders overnight. His man-management is spot on, getting buy-in from everyone for a high-octane system. At Chelsea, he would harness the energy of kids like Cole Palmer, building a dynasty with trophies as the goal.

That title-winning run proves he delivers under the spotlight, even post-Leverkusen at Real Madrid before stepping down. The Spanish tactician’s vision suits Chelsea’s ambitious owners, promising flair football that packs stadiums and scares rivals.

Yet, Alonso is hot property. Liverpool eye their ex-hero, and Manchester United whispers won’t quit. Both clubs could tempt him away, turning Chelsea’s summer hunt into a bidding frenzy.

Chelsea stand at a crossroads, but with Andoni Iraola, Julian Nagelsmann, or Xabi Alonso, the future looks electric. The board’s self-reflection promises smarts this time; pick right, and the Blues could roar back.