Chelsea head coach: Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola leading candidate to succeed Liam Rosenior after Stamford Bridge sacking – Paper Talk Chelsea are considering Andoni Iraola as a leading candidate to become their next permanent head coach following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, according to reports. Rosenior was dismissed on Wednesday after a run of five consecutive league defeats without scoring a goal, leaving Chelsea one point behind Bournemouth in the Premier League table with four games remaining. Iraola, who has managed Bournemouth since 2023, confirmed earlier this month that he will leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiry of his current contract. The 43-year-old Spaniard has overseen Bournemouth’s highest-ever top-flight points tallies over the past two seasons and is on track to surpass the 56-point record set in 2024-25 before the campaign concludes. Speaking to reporters after Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Wednesday, Iraola declined to comment on any potential interest from Chelsea, stating it would be disrespectful to discuss his future while still employed by the Cherries. “No, I think I said it when I announced I was not continuing here,” he said. “For me, now, it’s about Bournemouth. Four games. We have an incredible position, (an) incredible fight (ahead).” Despite his refusal to engage in speculation, sources indicate Iraola remains highly regarded across Europe’s big five leagues, with Chelsea viewing him as a strong contender to replace Rosenior on a permanent basis. Calum McFarlane has been appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Bournemouth have since announced Marco Rose as Iraola’s successor, with the German coach agreeing to a three-year contract set to begin after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Rose, 49, brings experience from Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, though he has not previously managed in England. Iraola’s final home game in charge of Bournemouth will be against Manchester City on Sunday, May 17, ahead of a trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season.
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