Manager has no intention of taking Chelsea job – Not even interested in Blues

Chelsea are continuing their search for a new manager after dismissing Liam Rosenior, but one of the names admired at Stamford Bridge has no intention of taking the job.

That discussion comes as the club try to reset after a poor run, which included five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring.

Francesco Farioli has emerged again as a figure of interest following his work at FC Porto. As we covered at the time, Chelsea had manifested interest in him when Enzo Maresca was dismissed. It caused little concern in Portugal.

This time, fresh local reports make it clear that any move to west London is not even under consideration from his side.

The Italian has guided Porto to a strong domestic campaign. They are close to securing the league title and reached the Taça de Portugal semi-finals. In Europe, they went out in the Europa League quarter-finals to Nottingham Forest. Those results have naturally drawn attention across the continent.

The british press says Chelsea’s hierarchy admire Farioli. He has been discussed internally alongside names such as Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola. But the feeling may not be mutual.

Contract situation and stance made clear

Francesco Farioli, though, is not entertaining the idea of leaving Porto for Chelsea.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola report that the manager has no interest in swapping the Estádio do Dragão for Stamford Bridge. The feeling is described as firm. The project he is building in Portugal remains the priority.

Farioli only arrived in July 2025 and has already signed a contract until 2028. His deal includes a release clause set at €20m (£17.4m), although that figure drops to €15m (£13m) during transfer windows.

Even then, any move would ultimately depend on his willingness to leave – and that willingness simply is not there at this stage.

Off the pitch, he is said to be fully settled. His family life in Porto is comfortable, with the Italian, his wife and their two children feeling settled and appreciated in the city. That stability is another factor reinforcing his current stance.

Why Porto still have control

Francesco Farioli’s situation also reflects Porto’s strong position heading into next season.

Champions League football is a key factor. Porto expect to be back in the competition, and that raises the appeal of staying. In contrast, Chelsea are still fighting to secure European qualification.

Meanwhile, interest is not limited to England. In Italy, Bologna have also looked at Farioli as a potential option. Even so, Italian reports suggest a return to Serie A is unlikely at this stage for the same reasons.

For Chelsea, that leaves admiration without progress. The club may continue to track Farioli, especially if their managerial shortlist evolves. However, as things stand, this is one door that is firmly closed.