Chelsea are back on the lookout for a new manager after wielding the axe on Liam Rosenior following a catastrophic slide down the Premier League table. The Blues have gone from top four certainties to outside the top six and by the weekend, they could be out of European contention altogether.
Rosenior failed to turn things around. Tuesday night’s 3-0 hammering at the hands of Brighton proved the final straw. The slump was helpless. The defence was shambolic. The board ran out of patience.
Now the search begins. Again.
Conversations will be had about how responsible Rosenior really was for the mess at Stamford Bridge. But there is no going back. Chelsea need a new manager, be it in the coming weeks or once the season ends. The latter is more likely.
Here are three options the Blues should consider.
Andoni Iraola
A number of managers are being linked. Felipe Luis. Dream target Diego Simeone. But after a risky appointment in Rosenior, Chelsea need proven quality.
Enter Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard worked wonders with Rayo Vallecano on a shoestring budget before earning his Premier League shot with Bournemouth. He even learned English in preparation. That is dedication.
Iraola has confirmed he will leave the Cherries this summer. Marco Rose will take over. That means Iraola is a free agent. And he is due a big opportunity.
He employs an attacking style. He gets the best out of exciting young players. He has achieved steady growth. If Chelsea do not offer him a top job, someone else will.
Marco Silva
It is surprising to see so many unproven managers ahead of Silva in the early reports. The Fulham boss has done a fine job in west London and carries previous Premier League experience at Hull, Watford and Everton.
He knows how to get points. That is a rare quality.
Refreshingly, he is not stuck to one style like some of the younger coaches. Chelsea fans were fully on board with Jose Mourinho’s win at all costs approach. Silva is more of that ilk.
He has also got the best out of attacking players like Harry Wilson. He is a man manager. He finds a way.
Silva may not be the sexiest name in terms of playing style, which might put the Chelsea board off. But if they want a top manager who will always pick up points, they should be looking at him. He has not committed his future to Fulham beyond this season.
Oliver Glasner
In an ideal world, there would be fancier options. Zinedine Zidane. Diego Simeone. Xavi Hernandez. None of them are likely to take the Chelsea job right now.
The Blues are not currently a club the very top managers want to work with. That is the reality.
So focus on managers who have proven they can succeed in the Premier League even if it is not title success. Glasner fits the bill.
He has done an excellent job at Crystal Palace. Secured their first ever trophy, the FA Cup. Delivered their first ever European qualification. Kept them steady despite losing top players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.
Glasner has dealt with a board he has not always agreed with. That will come in handy at Stamford Bridge. He also won European silverware with Eintracht Frankfurt.
He develops young players into superstars. He has Premier League experience. And he will be a free appointment this summer, leaving Palace.
The bottom line
Chelsea need to stop rolling the dice on sexy appointments that make fans happy in the short term. Cesc Fabregas might be a romantic idea. But romance does not win football matches.
Iraola, Silva and Glasner are all proven. All available. All capable of steadying a ship that is taking on water fast.
The Blues have made too many mistakes in the dugout. They cannot afford another one.