Updated: 27 Apr 2026 14:05 BST |
4 min read
Chelsea have reportedly made ‘initial contact’ with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as they ramp up their pursuit of a new permanent head coach.
The Blues sacked Liam Rosenior after just 23 games in charge last Wednesday and they are now on the hunt for a fifth different permanent manager of the Clearlake Capital era.
Calum McFarlane, who joined the club as their new U21 head coach last summer, has been named as the Blues’ interim boss for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and he was in the dugout for their 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
However, McFarlane is extremely unlikely to be hired permanently, with the Chelsea hierarchy expected to appoint a manager with proven experience as they look to finally establish themselves as Champions League regulars.
The likes of Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Marco Silva, Francesco Farioli and Xavi have all been linked with the vacant Stamford Bridge job over the past week, although the aforementioned Iraola has been touted as the frontrunner for the role after confirming that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has enjoyed an immensely successful two-year stint with the Cherries and he is understood to be on Chelsea’s radar ahead of the summer.
In fact, Chelsea officials have now initiated contact with his representatives as they look to discuss the possibility of appointing Iraola as their new head coach, as per a report from Football.London.
He is one of several managers under consideration and the Blues have reportedly reached out to Iraola’s camp in a bid to understand his plans for this summer.
Analysis: Would Andoni Iraola be a good appointment for Chelsea?
Iraola has helped Bournemouth solidify their place as a consistent mid-table Premier League club over the past two years and the Cherries could even qualify for Europe this season thanks to a superb recent run of form.
They are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches, dating back to early January, and they have risen to seventh place in the English top flight table – one point and one place above Chelsea.
Under Iraola, they have become extremely hard to beat and their pressing system is among the very best in the entire Premier League. It remains to be seen how Iraola would adapt to working with a higher calibre of players, but the early signs suggest he would be a smart appointment for Chelsea and an excellent replacement for Rosenior.
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