Chelsea are looking to appoint a new manager and Spanish icon Xavi Hernandez

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May 5, 2026

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest Prediction, Betting Tips, Odds & Preview

Calum McFarlane used the same dejected attitude as his predecessors when discussing Chelsea’s loss to Nottingham Forest. As you can assume, Calum McFarlane’s news conference as Chelsea’s manager was depressing.

A rotating Nottingham Forest squad destroyed his team in his debut game as a coach at Stamford Bridge, and there were jeers at halftime and the end. “I thought the first 15 minutes we were nowhere near the level we needed to be,” the manager remarked, going into further detail about where everything had broken apart.

“I felt like we didn’t really recover from the early goal, which was a bit of a sucker blow. At the back post, it was a 3v1. We are aware of their preference to cross to the rear post. We should improve our defence of the No. 9’s tendency to peel to the back post. It’s rather disappointing.

Calum McFarlane fumes at unacceptable Chelsea performance

Chelsea failed to take advantage of Forest’s eight alterations to their starting lineup and instead suffered their sixth straight league loss. McFarlane acknowledged that the performance was a far cry from the defensive strength they had demonstrated against more formidable opponents in the past.

“Very disappointing—we know we are much better than what we showed today. We never reached our level, which is really upsetting,” he said to BBC MOTD.

“A really disappointing result and performance,” he subsequently said to Sky Sports. The first fifteen minutes were inadequate. It created the mood. Its hard to say [why it went wrong at the moment, I’d probably like to review the game to look at such a stark contract to the way we defended against Leeds.”

“You need those kinds of moments to go in your favour when you have such a bad start, but unfortunately they didn’t,” McFarlane said. “Enzo Fernandez hits the post and Cole Palmer misses the penalty.”

Joao Pedro calls out Chelsea stars after sixth straight league defeat

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May 5, 2026

Joao Pedro has demanded that his Chelsea teammates start taking responsibility following another dismal performance that extended their losing run to six league matches.

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro breaks silence: “It’s about us players, not the coach”

The Brazilian striker at least provided a rare moment of joy for the travelling fans with a spectacular stoppage-time bicycle kick, but that only reduced the final score to 3-1 against Nottingham Forest.

The goal ended Chelsea’s barren run of nearly ten hours without a Premier League goal a small consolation on another painful afternoon.

“We concede too early and against Nottingham, it is difficult to change the game,” Joao Pedro said after the match.

“Everyone needs to look to themselves, me also included. I feel sorry for the fans.”

Interim head coach Calum McFarlane did not hide his frustration. He revealed his side had specifically prepared for Forest’s back-post crosses, only to concede exactly that way inside the first 15 minutes.

Enzo Fernandez hit the post, Cole Palmer missed a penalty, and Joao Pedro saw an offside goal ruled out but McFarlane admitted the team never recovered from that dreadful start.

Joao Pedro, however, refused to blame the coaching staff. “I don’t think it is about the coach. It is about us players to improve. Everyone needs to step up.”

The forward insists motivation remains high despite the increasingly remote hopes of Champions League qualification. “We still need to fight for every point and every game,” he added.

But words have rung hollow before at Chelsea this season. Joao Pedro at least appears willing to lead by example. Whether his teammates follow remains the real question.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Fulham manager Marco Silva as a long-term replacement

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May 4, 2026

Marco Silva is a target for Chelsea, who recently parted company with Liam Rosenior in an effort to find a capable long-term successor. As a long-term substitute for Liam Rosenior, Chelsea is monitoring Marco Silva. The 48-year-old has performed admirably for Fulham over the years, making him a potentially intriguing addition. The prospect of running a larger club will undoubtedly appeal to Silva.

Since 2021, the Portuguese strategist has done a fantastic job at Fulham, making them a dependable Premier League mid-table squad. His representatives are currently attempting to clinch a move to Chelsea this summer, according to a report by French writer Sebastien Vidal.

They were promoted to the Premier League thanks to Silva, and despite their low resources, they have performed rather well under him. As Fulham’s manager, the former Everton manager has a 43% win percentage and averages 1.6 points per game, which is impressive for a mid-table team.

Marco Silva addresses Chelsea speculation with five word answer

For the duration of the season, Calum McFarlane will serve as temporary head coach while the sporting directors look for a replacement. Andoni Iraola is said to be an early front-runner among the seven or eight names that are reportedly being considered.

Silva, a Portuguese manager whose contract with Fulham expires at the conclusion of the current campaign, is also allegedly a contender for the position. After five seasons at Craven Cottage, the 48-year-old is expected to quit the team at the end of the current campaign. He has yet to sign a new contract.

Speaking ahead of Fulham’s match against Arsenal, Silva said that he doesn’t pay heed to rumours that connect him to Chelsea. According to the Hounslow Herald, he declared, “I don’t pay any attention.” “All of the attention will be on Arsenal and what we need to do against them because we have important games coming up.”

Petr Cech urges patience with Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez

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May 4, 2026

Robert Sánchez - 1.97m ( 6 ft 5 in) — Bildbyran

Chelsea legend Petr Cech has backed under-fire goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, insisting the Spaniard possesses “huge, huge potential” despite the club’s ongoing turmoil.

Petr Cech: Robert Sanchez has ‘huge, huge potential’ but Chelsea’s problems are holding him back

The Blues find themselves in disarray after a disastrous campaign.

Enzo Maresca guided Chelsea to Champions League qualification and a Conference League title last season, but he lost his job in January following a difficult run and pointed comments towards the board.

Liam Rosenior replaced him, yet the former Strasbourg manager lasted just 106 days before being moved on.

Chelsea lost their final five Premier League games under Rosenior without scoring a single goal, slipping to ninth in the table.

Interim boss Calum McFarlane now takes charge, starting with Monday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.

Cech believes the chaotic environment at Stamford Bridge directly harms Sanchez and his fellow goalkeepers.

“The goalkeepers are not being helped by the overall situation,” the former Chelsea shot-stopper told The Athletic.

“As a goalkeeper, if your team is struggling, then you have a bit of a problem yourself because you’re exposed and there is a lot of pressure on you.”

Chelsea paid £25m to sign Sanchez from Brighton in the summer of 2023.

The 27-year-old has since made over 100 appearances for the club, most recently helping Chelsea beat Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals.

“Rob, you can see, he’s got huge, huge potential,” Cech added.

“There are games where you see his shot-stopping ability and the saves he can produce.

But he needs to work on his consistency. He has games where he makes wrong decisions, and as a goalkeeper those decisions are really visible.”

Cech also mentioned Filip Jorgensen, saying injuries have disrupted the Dane’s chances.

“Based on their abilities, I’m not surprised Chelsea brought them in, but I don’t think the team has managed to get the most out of them.”

Chelsea are one of clubs to have made an enquiry for Brentford striker Igor Thiago

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May 3, 2026

Chelsea vs Brentford Prediction — Bildbyran

Igor Thiago has been the talk of the town this season, and Brentford isn’t the only team taking notice. According to ESPN Brazil journalist Felipe Silva, the 24-year-old Brazilian has scored 25 goals in 36 games this season, 22 of which have come in the Premier League alone (giving Haaland a run for his money with 24 goals for the Norwegian).

Chelsea is one of four teams that have formally enquired about his availability. The other three are Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and AC Milan, although Silva thinks Italian interest is unlikely to result in a firm offer because neither team is anticipated to match Brentford’s asking price.

Silva claims that the asking price is around £80 million. Brentford has every right to maintain their position in light of Thiago’s actions this season. Back in January, he set the record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season, and since then, he has only increased his total.

Chelsea launch move for £80 million-rated Premier League forward

The background of Chelsea’s interest is important. After the German team decided not to activate their purchase option, Nicolas Jackson will return from his loan at Bayern Munich this summer, but his future at Stamford Bridge appears grim. Chelsea may have five strikers on the roster come pre-season, since Emmanuel Emegha has already been signed from Strasbourg and will join in the summer.

The idea of moving the striker across London would surely appeal to Chelsea, who have spent around £1.5 billion since Clearlake Capital took ownership. Joao Pedro, Thiago’s Brazilian teammate, has already scored 14 goals in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. However, they may be seeking further support for the next manager they hire.

According to reports, at least two of the five will probably be sold; Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, and Jackson are all potential departing players. However, a decision is unlikely to be made prior to the appointment of a new head coach.

Chelsea reject Barcelona’s interest in Joao Pedro

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May 2, 2026

Chelsea have no intention of selling forward Joao Pedro during the upcoming summer transfer window, despite growing interest from Barcelona, according to reliable reports.

Chelsea Tell Barcelona: Joao Pedro Is Not for Sale

The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Brighton last year in a £60 million deal and has quickly established himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge.

He has scored 19 goals in all competitions during his impressive first season with the club.

Barcelona have made Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez their primary attacking target for the summer.

The Spanish champions need a new striker because Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires at the end of the season.

However, Atletico hold a strong negotiating position. Alvarez still has four years left on his contract, which includes a €500 million (£431m) release clause.

This difficult situation has forced Barcelona to explore alternative options, and Joao Pedro now features on their shortlist.

According to ESPN Brasil, Barcelona have already initiated informal contact with the Brazil international’s representatives ahead of the summer window.

Both Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have approved a potential move for the Chelsea attacker.

But Chelsea have responded firmly. The club has communicated through third parties that they will not allow a transfer this summer.

Chelsea recognise the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement for Pedro, and they do not want to weaken their squad.

The 23-year-old forward still has the chance to win his second trophy with Chelsea this season. The team already claimed the World Club Cup success earlier in the summer.

Now they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16, where Pedro will look to add another medal to his collection.

For now, Chelsea fans can rest assured that their star Brazilian forward will remain at the club beyond the summer window.

Xabi Alonso is reportedly open to taking the Chelsea job if he’s given more control

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May 1, 2026

Chelsea target suffer serious injury in season opener

According to reports, Xabi Alonso, a former manager of Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, is willing to accept the Chelsea position if he is granted “more control” than the Blues are presently providing.

As Chelsea continues to have conversations with prospective replacements for Liam Rosenior, it appears that Alonso has some interest in taking over. Simon Phillips claims that Alonso is amenable to taking over as manager of Chelsea, but it appears that his main requirement is to have “a bit more control” in the position.

During his tenure as Leverkusen’s manager, the Spanish strategist performed admirably, helping the team win its first Bundesliga championship and get to the Europa League final.

Alonso, however, had a difficult time at Real Madrid before his dismissal earlier this season, and it is likely that he had far less authority in his position at the Bernabeu. The Chelsea job is not easy, and under this ownership in particular, many excellent managers have had difficulties at Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso gives his terms for accepting Chelsea job

Several managers are being identified as potential contenders for the Chelsea position this summer in rather specific terms. Realistic names that have been brought up are Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, and Oliver Glasner.

However, our followers rank other names higher on the list. Many fans consider Xabi Alonso to be their ideal choice, and our journalist Simon Phillips has firsthand knowledge of his situation. According to Phillips, “SPTC Sources can now reveal that the initial response from Alonso’s people is that the former Real Madrid boss would be ‘interested’ in the vacant position.”

However, it appears that Alonso “would want ‘a bit more control’ than what they are currently offering any new manager”. With all of these contenders, Chelsea is in a difficult position. On the conditions they are now proposing, none of the major names will accept the position.

However, the players just don’t like these tried-and-true, accommodating younger coaches. Even if Alonso is now one of the best coaches in the business, it won’t be simple for him to take over and succeed in this setting.

Cesc Fabregas turns down Chelsea as he waits for Arsenal dream job

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May 1, 2026

Cesc Fabregas Lifts Lid On How It Is To Play Under 'Stubborn' Sarri

Cesc Fabregas will reject any approach from Chelsea this summer as the former Blues midfielder holds out for the Arsenal managerial job instead, according to reports.

From Como to the Emirates? Fabregas waiting for Arsenal, not Chelsea

The 37-year-old Spaniard has impressed across Europe during his two seasons in charge of Italian side Como, who currently sit fifth in Serie A just three points off a Champions League qualification spot with four games remaining.

Fabregas first took temporary charge of Como between November and December 2023, but could not secure the permanent role at the time because he lacked a UEFA Pro coaching licence.

After helping the club gain promotion to Serie A as an assistant coach in May 2024, he finally received his licence and became head coach in June 2024.

Now his success has attracted interest from top clubs. Chelsea are searching for a new manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior following just three months in charge, and Fabregas’s name has emerged as a potential candidate.

However, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol suggests the Spaniard would turn down a move to west London.

“Cesc Fabregas, what I’ve been told, there’s some kind of suggestion that long-term, the plan for him is to manage Arsenal one day,” Solhekol said on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast.

“I’m not sure moving to Chelsea would be part of his career progression.”

Fabregas played 198 games for Chelsea, winning five trophies including two Premier League titles.

Yet he made 303 appearances for Arsenal, who made him club captain at just 21 years old under Arsene Wenger.

While the Arsenal job seems unlikely to become available at the end of this season, questions could arise over Mikel Arteta’s future if the Gunners fail to win the Premier League or Champions League. That scenario might open the door for Fabregas.

With Como almost certain to qualify for European competition for the first time in their history, Fabregas may prefer to test himself on the continental stage before making a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is appealing a four-year ban handed down by FA

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Apr 30, 2026