Next Chelsea Manager: Alonso 2/1 favourite but still odds-on for Liverpool job

Friday 1 May

14:30 - Alonso new favourite to get Chelsea manager job

Xabi Alonso is the new favourite to become Chelsea's next permanent manager.

The Spaniard, who left Real Madrid earlier this year after just six months in charge, is 2/13.00 on the Betfair Sportsbook following reports that he's next for the Stamford Bridge hotseat.

His appointment would be a gamble for Chelsea. Alonso impressed when steering Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga crown in 2023/24 to end Bayern Munich's iron grip on the German title.

His time at Madrid, however, was a disappointment and he reportedly failed to command the respect of senior players.

Alonso has long been linked with Liverpool, for whom he played from 2004 to 2009, and he is the 4/111.36 favourite for the Anfield job if they ditch Arne Slot this summer.

As for Chelsea, former-market favourite Andoni Iraola 3/14.00 remains a strong candidate who has enjoyed Premier League success with current club Bournemouth who he will leave at the end of the season.

The same is true of Marco Silva 6/17.00 who could make the short journey from Fulham to take his place in the Blues dugout.

Chelsea continue life under caretaker boss Calum McFarlane this weekend when they host Nottingham Forest on Bank Holiday Monday. Get tips and Optas stats for every top flight game this weekend here.

Thursday 23 April

09:30 - Iraola 2/1 to get Chelsea manager job

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is 2/13.00 to become the next Chelsea manager following Liam Rosenoir's departure yesterday and has received the most bets from Betfair punters.

Brazilian manager Filipe Luis 13/82.63 continues to be the favourite but is not among the most backed for the job.

Rosenior's assistant Calum McFarlane in charge until the end of the season so they Betfair Sportsbook market is for who will be in charge for the Blues' first match of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Iraola, who will leave the Cherries at the end of the season, has received 26.67% of the bets in the market.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has received 17.78% of the bets. Could he be in line for a third stint in charge at Stamford Bridge? He is a 9/110.00 outsider.

Jose Mourinho, who has also managed Chelsea twice, albeit with more success than Lampard, is also popular with 15.56% of the bets. The Portuguese is 40/141.00 - they wouldn't, would they?

Another former-Chelsea man, Cesc Fabregas, has the same market share of bet as Mourinho. But the Spaniard is 10/34.33 after impressing while in charge of current club Como.

Oliver Glasner, who is leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the current season, is 5/16.00.

To be Chelsea Manager at the start of 2026/27 Season:

• - Filipe Luis 13/82.63
  - Andoni Iraola 2/13.00
  - Cesc Fabregas 10/34.33
  - Calum McFarlane 10/34.33
  - Oliver Glasner 5/16.00

*odds correct as of 09:30 Thursday 23 April

Wednesday 22 April

Luis and Iraola the early favs to replace Senior

Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge, and Flamengo boss Filipe Luis is the early 13/82.63 favourite to replace him.

But that replacement won't come immediately, after the club put Rosenior's assistant Calum McFarlane in charge until the end of the season.

Rosenior's sacking came after Chelsea lost 3-0 at Brighton on Tuesday night, a result that dropped the Blues to seventh in the table after losing five successive Premier League games without scoring. Their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League are all but over.

In a club statement Chelsea said, "Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway 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."

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is the second favourite in the market, currently available to back at 2/13.00, after the Bournemouth manager revealed recently that he would be quitting his role in charge of the south coast club.

Interim boss McFarlane - who is guaranteed to be in charge for at least five games - is the 10/34.33 third favourite, but for punter to be paid out on him he would need to be in charge for at least 10 games as a caretaker manager or be appointed permanently.

To be Chelsea Manager at the start of 2026/27 Season:

- Filipe Luis 13/82.63
- Andoni Iraola 2/13.00
- Cesc Fabregas 10/34.33
- Calum McFarlane 10/34.33
- Bar 6/17.00

*odds correct as of 18:45 Wednesday 22 April

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