What Fulham sources are saying about Marco Silva as Chelsea set to open talks

Chelsea have seemingly started their search for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior, with Fulham boss Marco Silva one of the leading contenders to take over at Stamford Bridge.

With Rosenior sacked last week, Calum McFarlane has taken over as interim manager and will remain in charge for the remaining five games this season. That includes the FA Cup final, after beating Leeds.

Sunday saw McFarlane mastermind a 1-0 win over the Whites. But the interim manager is not expected to remain as manager beyond those five matches, and another new gaffer is set to arrive in West London.

Plenty have been linked with the vacant role. Yesterday, it was reported that Chelsea had opened talks with Andoni Iraola’s representatives, and now, Chelsea are expected to start talks with another manager.

Chelsea set to open talks as Fulham stance on Silva emerges

Marco Silva has been in the Fulham job since taking over in the summer of 2021. Of all of the seven clubs he has managed, he has remained at Fulham the longest, clocking up a total of 225 games as manager.

In that time, Silva is one win away from 100 victories as Fulham boss. Throughout his career, Silva has won the Championship, the Portuguese Cup and the Greek Super League during his time at Olympiacos.

The Standard now claim that Chelsea will open talks to hire the former Everton and Watford manager. The same report says that Iraola remains high on the list of candidates, while Fulham’s stance is also detailed.

Indeed, it is reported that Fulham actually expect Silva to sign a new contract, with his current Cottagers deal due to expire at the end of the season. Xabi Alonso is another that Chelsea are set to check on.

If Chelsea want Premier League experience, Silva is the man

The last two managers hired by Chelsea have both made their Premier League debuts as managers following their appointment at Stamford Bridge. This time, Premier League experience should be crucial.

Chelsea need a manager who knows how to handle the pressure of England’s top flight. Enzo Maresca started well, but it quickly unravelled, and clearly, Rosenior could not handle being manager of Chelsea.

Silva changes that. The Portuguese gaffer is just seven games away from managing a total of 250 times in the Premier League. Others are being considered by Chelsea, aside from Iraola, Silva, and Alonso.