Chelsea consider Al-Ahli's Matthias Jaissle in manager search
Chelsea have identified Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle as a candidate in their search for a new permanent head coach, according to TEAMtalk. The club are conducting a detailed process after sacking Liam Rosenior earlier this week, with significant background work already understood to have been carried out on the 38-year-old German. Jaissle is reportedly open to a return to European football, having moved to the Saudi Pro League side from RB Salzburg in 2023.
Chelsea's managerial situation changed abruptly when the hierarchy opted to dismiss Rosenior on Wednesday, a decision accelerated after it became clear the dressing room had turned against him. The club had initially planned to assess his future at the season's end, but a run of seven defeats in eight Premier League games, including five consecutive matches without scoring, prompted immediate action. Academy coach Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge for the remainder of the campaign, which includes an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United this weekend.
Jaissle is viewed as an emerging talent with a progressive, high-intensity coaching style. He is considered a disciple of Ralf Rangnick's methods, a coaching lineage that also includes Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, and Jurgen Klopp. During his tenure at Salzburg, where he won two Austrian Bundesliga titles, Jaissle amassed a win percentage of over 65% across 241 matches. Despite previous comparisons to Nagelsmann, which he has publicly downplayed, his profile fits the modern, system-based approach Chelsea's ownership is understood to favour.
However, sources indicate Jaissle is far from the only option under consideration at Stamford Bridge. The club's ownership retains a strong admiration for Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, though he is considered a 'dream target' and reports suggest he may have already ruled himself out. Chelsea are also monitoring the situations of Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, both of whom have impressed in their first Premier League seasons. Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, now managing Como in Serie A, has also been put forward and is gaining attention within the club for his work in Italy.
The club's leadership is not expected to rush the appointment, with a long list of candidates under review. The focus is on identifying a head coach capable of restoring stability and driving long-term progress after a turbulent period. The extensive due diligence reflects a desire to avoid a repeat of recent instability, with the new appointment tasked with harnessing the potential of a expensively assembled but underperforming squad. The process is likely to continue in the coming weeks, with no immediate decision anticipated.
