Chelsea FC’s managerial record over the past 10 years highlights the intense demands of top-level football, where results, ownership changes, and evolving club strategies have led to frequent coaching turnovers.
Following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, the club has reportedly appointed 10 different managers within a decade, averaging one coach per season.
Below is a breakdown of the managers who have led the club during this period, including the context of their appointments and exits.
Guus Hiddink (Interim Manager)
Tenure: December 2015 – May 2016
Reason for appointment: Returned in a temporary capacity after José Mourinho’s exit to steady the team and rebuild confidence.
Reason for exit: Completed his interim role and left at the end of the season as planned.
Antonio Conte
Tenure: July 2016 – July 2018
Reason for appointment: Brought in to restore competitiveness and challenge for titles.
Reason for exit: Dismissed following a drop in league performance and tensions with club management, despite winning the FA Cup.
Maurizio Sarri
Tenure: July 2018 – June 2019
Reason for appointment: Appointed to introduce an attacking, possession-based system.
Reason for exit: Left by mutual agreement after one season, having won the Europa League before returning to Italy with Juventus.
Frank Lampard (First Spell)
Tenure: July 2019 – January 2021
Reason for appointment: Hired during a transfer ban to oversee a rebuild focused on youth development.
Reason for exit: Sacked due to inconsistent performances and a slide in league position.
Thomas Tuchel
Tenure: January 2021 – September 2022
Reason for appointment: Took over mid-season to improve results and strengthen defensive organisation.
Reason for exit: Dismissed after a change in ownership and a poor start to the 2022/23 season.
Graham Potter
Tenure: September 2022 – April 2023
Reason for appointment: Tasked with leading a long-term project centred on tactical evolution and squad restructuring.
Reason for exit: Sacked due to underwhelming results and failure to establish a clear playing identity.
Frank Lampard (Interim Return)
Tenure: April 2023 – June 2023
Reason for appointment: Returned as caretaker manager to see out the season after Potter’s departure.
Reason for exit: Interim role ended at the close of the campaign.
Mauricio Pochettino
Tenure: July 2023 – June 2024
Reason for appointment: Brought in to restore structure, stability, and competitiveness within a youthful squad.
Reason for exit: Left by mutual consent after one season due to differing long-term visions.
Enzo Maresca
Tenure: July 2024 – 2026
Reason for appointment: Appointed to continue the rebuild with focus on structured play, youth integration, and tactical discipline.
Reason for exit: Departed after a difficult run of results, as the club opted to change direction.
Liam Rosenior
Tenure: January 6, 2026 – April 2026
Reason for appointment: Installed mid-season to steady performances and improve attacking output during a challenging period.
Reason for exit: Dismissed after 107 days following a poor run, including five straight defeats without scoring, prompting another managerial overhaul.