37 Year Old Who Has Outperformed Mourinho Is Being ‘Seriously Considered’ For Chelsea Job
Porto head coach Francesco Farioli is being “seriously considered” as a candidate to be the new Chelsea boss, according to reports.
TEAMtalk claim that the 37-year-old is one of the names who could make the shortlist for Liam Rosenior’s permanent successor.
Farioli was appointed by Porto last summer, and he has had an excellent first season in charge of the Portuguese giants.
They are currently sitting top of the table with three games to go, seven points ahead of closest rivals Benfica, who are managed by Jose Mourinho.
Farioli could seal his first league title as a manager when Porto face Alverca on Saturday.
Chelsea may still favour more experienced candidates
Despite Farioli’s impressive CV, the fact that he hasn’t managed in the Premier League would count against him.
Rosenior was hired without having any experience in the English top flight, and it soon became clear that he was way out of his depth.
Farioli has more knowledge of coaching bigger teams, having taken charge of Ajax and Ligue One side Nice in previous seasons, but Chelsea are in a completely different ballpark in terms of the pressures that come with the job.
Who is favourite to become the next Blues head coach?
The bookmakers still make Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola the leading candidate, but Xabi Alonso’s odds have shortened considerably in recent days.
Both managers have the same agent, and it is believed that Chelsea’s leadership team have contacted their representative to ascertain their interest in the role.
It appears that both are open to taking the position, although there are still doubts that Alonso (in particular) would accept the current management structure. The Spaniard is keen to have more control, and that may end up being a major sticking point in negotiations.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
