{"id":5268,"date":"2026-05-07T08:20:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T08:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=5268"},"modified":"2026-05-07T08:20:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T08:20:35","slug":"chelseas-next-manager-will-inherit-roman-abramovichs-85million-parting-gift-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=5268","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea&#8217;s next manager will inherit Roman Abramovich&#8217;s \u00a385million parting gift"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_cd6cce\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Chelsea are searching for a new manager following Liam Rosenior&#8217;s departure but whoever takes charge could benefit from an \u00a385m windfall<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37113991\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea smiles following his team's victory during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113991.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Manchester-City-v-Chelsea-FC-UEFA-Champions-League-Final.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113991.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Manchester-City-v-Chelsea-FC-UEFA-Champions-League-Final.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113991.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Manchester-City-v-Chelsea-FC-UEFA-Champions-League-Final.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113991.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Manchester-City-v-Chelsea-FC-UEFA-Champions-League-Final.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Roman Abramovich left Chelsea in 2022\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Roman Abramovich left Chelsea in 2022<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Roman Abramovich departed Chelsea in 2022, with the club&#8217;s current owners completing their takeover exactly four years ago. Yet one of his lasting legacies, helping guide his side to the FIFA Club World Cup which they went on to lift, could continue to serve whoever takes the reins next.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Blues are enduring a turbulent period. Having begun the campaign under Enzo Maresca, the club swiftly opted for a change in direction, bringing in Liam Rosenior in January. Though his tenure got off to a promising start, a dismal run of five consecutive defeats without finding the net ultimately cost him his job last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A loss to Nottingham Forest, with Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim head coach, represented their most recent blow. Attention has now turned to finding Rosenior&#8217;s successor as Chelsea bid to recapture the Champions League-winning glory of 2021. That triumph, secured while Abramovich remained at the helm, earned the club a place in last summer&#8217;s Club World Cup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There, defying expectations, Maresca&#8217;s Chelsea toppled Paris Saint-Germain in the final, pocketing a remarkable \u00a385million in prize money. That financial boost could prove a handy resource for whoever steps into the dugout at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_8b4018\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Joao Pedro points finger as Chelsea fall to sixth Premier League loss in a row<\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_8b4018\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Jamie Carragher names his outstanding candidate to become new Chelsea boss<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">With Abramovich still at the controls, Chelsea edged out Manchester City 1-0 in 2021 to be crowned European champions. The Russian oligarch departed shortly afterwards, bringing to a close nearly two decades at the club since his 2003 takeover.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37113992\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37113992\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Reece James #24 of Chelsea FC holds the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their team's victory as U.S. President Donald Trump interacts with Robert Sanchez #1 of Chelsea FC following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113992.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2224988141.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113992.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2224988141.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113992.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2224988141.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113992.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2224988141.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"The Blues won the Club World Cup in 2025\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">The Blues won the Club World Cup in 2025<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Abramovich had his assets frozen and faced sanctions from the UK Government due to alleged ties to Vladimir Putin and Russia, in the wake of Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A consortium led by Todd Boehly completed a takeover of the club for \u00a34.25billion on May 7, 2022.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Chelsea secured their place at the Club World Cup as Champions League winners. On American soil, their earnings were split between a guaranteed participation fee and performance-related bonuses accumulated throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Their group stage wins netted them \u00a33m, while they pocketed \u00a35.6m for progressing to the round of 16. A quarter-final berth added a further \u00a39.7m, and their semi-final triumph brought in \u00a315.6m. Victory over PSG saw their total prize money reach \u00a385m.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Last summer, with Abramovich long departed and Maresca at the helm, the club splashed nearly \u00a3200m on new recruits, including Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Yet it remains entirely plausible that a portion of that \u00a385m Club World Cup windfall is yet to be spent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Abramovich&#8217;s legacy could be handed to whoever takes charge in west London next, with The Independent reporting that Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez is being considered for the role. The Spaniard has been out of work since departing the Catalan club in 2024, and five years earlier he made a candid admission regarding the prospect of managing in the Premier League.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37113990\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37113990\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Xavi, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113990.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2154761241.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113990.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2154761241.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113990.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2154761241.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37113990.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2154761241.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Xavi has been linked with Chelsea\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Xavi has been linked with Chelsea<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Shortly after being appointed as Barcelona manager, Xavi was quizzed on whether he harboured ambitions of one day taking charge of a Premier League club. Having spoken of his affection for his Spanish employers, he said: &#8220;Who doesn&#8217;t like the Premier League?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;The football atmosphere, the packed stadiums and the people who play in the Premier League say it&#8217;s extraordinary. Obviously, if I had to choose, I would choose a big team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;(Manchester) City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham. Also, (Jurgen) Klopp and (Mauricio) Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33404045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside <!-- -->Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chelsea are searching for a new manager following Liam Rosenior&#8217;s departure but whoever takes charge&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5268","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5268"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5268\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}