Overview
- Chelsea’s manager hunt entered a new phase Thursday as sources cited by EPL Index and TeamTalk dismissed reports of any approach to Xavi after talk of contact surfaced Tuesday.
- Club figures are running a broader, slower process with close to 20 names discussed, with Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fàbregas recurring in reports and Porto’s Francesco Farioli now seen as unlikely.
- Calum McFarlane stays in charge through the season, including the FA Cup final, following a six-game Premier League losing run that has pundits warning of real risk next year if leadership choices falter.
- Coverage from Yahoo Sports highlights how BlueCo’s frequent hires and fires and an erratic transfer plan have damaged trust, which analysts say could deter elite candidates and weaken the dressing room.
- Multiple outlets expect a summer reset of the squad, with Mirror noting up to £85m from last year’s Club World Cup win could fund changes as several players face uncertain futures.