A five-game losing streak with zero goals marks Chelsea's century-old disgrace, and Rossonier is finally dismissed.

Written by Han Bing For Chelsea's American owners, the fifth defeat reached the upper limit of tolerance. After Rossonier created Chelsea's "century-old disgrace," on April 22, following two crisis meetings in the morning and afternoon, Chelsea's board finally decided to sack the young English manager who had been in charge for only 106 days. Rossonier, who had been fiercely criticized by English media, football legends, and fans, is finally dismissed, but who can stop Chelsea's luxury car that has completely lost control?

After a 0-3 away defeat to Brighton, Chelsea suffered five consecutive league losses without scoring a single goal, setting the worst record in Chelsea's 114-year history. The last time such dismal results occurred was in October-November 1912, when the Blues club was only seven years old; the club badge still featured a retired officer's portrait, not the more familiar lion holding a staff; the Titanic had just sunk in the North Atlantic seven days earlier, and World War I was still over two years away...

After five consecutive losses, Chelsea, having played one more game, are seven points behind Liverpool in fifth place in the Champions League zone, making qualification for next season's Champions League nearly impossible, and even their eligibility for European competition next season is precarious. This means Chelsea, who recently announced record Premier League losses, will have missed the Champions League in three out of five seasons under American ownership, with next season's revenue loss expected to reach £90 million. The American owners, who previously tolerated Rossonier, finally reached their breaking point facing such a huge anticipated revenue loss. Besides the four league games, Chelsea can still strive for European qualification via the FA Cup, which could somewhat mitigate the losses. However, Rossonier, besieged from all sides, clearly could no longer handle this essential task.

As criticism from British media, football legends, and Chelsea fans intensified, the American owners' stance began to shift. English media revealed that after the Brighton match, Chelsea's leadership did not explicitly support Rossonier as before; silence indicated change was quietly underway. Major outlets like The Daily Telegraph, The Times, and BBC confirmed: Chelsea's traditional post-match review meeting had turned into a crisis meeting for the board. Chelsea's American directors comprehensively assessed Rossonier, rather than sticking to their earlier public stance of considering his future only after the season.

What pushed Chelsea's leadership beyond tolerance was not only the "century-old disgrace" results but also Chelsea's already fractured dressing room. Rossonier's five-defender tactic failed; not only did Enzo and Cucurella publicly criticize the club's managerial changes and recruitment issues, but more key players disapproved of Rossonier's coaching methods. Rossonier's post-Brighton blame-shifting onto players was widely interpreted by media as exposing internal conflicts, further deepening the team crisis.

Chelsea's major shareholder, Clear Lake Capital owner Egbarry, was originally a staunch supporter of Rossonier. Although last week he still expressed continued trust in Rossonier, he added the precondition that "results cannot worsen further." On Wednesday morning, Chelsea's board met with Rossonier at Cobham training base, reviewing recent performances and evaluating whether to replace him or continue trusting the besieged manager. Subsequently, Chelsea's leadership continued crisis discussions; around 16:00 local time, Chelsea announced Rossonier's dismissal, ending his disgraceful 106-day tenure.

While Chelsea's board deliberated on sacking Rossonier, English media, having caught wind, quickly shifted to predicting new manager candidates. Felipe, who shone in Brazil and is considered "Mourinho II," is the top favorite. The Atlético Madrid defender played one season at Chelsea, winning the Premier League (2014/15 season). When Marésca was sacked in January, his team contacted Chelsea; Felipe, recently dismissed by Flamengo in early March, is currently unattached.

Glasner (Crystal Palace), Marco Silva (Fulham), Ilaola (Bournemouth) will be free agents in summer; Fabregas (Como) and Lampard, who just led Coventry to promotion, are also hot candidates. After Rossonier's painful lesson, Chelsea's American owners lean toward experienced coaches. Chelsea's official new manager choice, unsurprisingly, will be announced after the season ends, allowing involvement in summer transfers and preseason preparations.

Rossonier's contract was six years long with a £4 million annual salary; English media claim the contract has a termination clause, possibly requiring Chelsea to pay only £12 million compensation. Rossonier signed a six-year, 2368-day contract but fulfilled only 106 days. Since American acquisition in summer 2022, less than four years, Chelsea have had nine coaches: five permanent—Tuchel, Potter, Pochettino, Marésca, Rossonier—and four interim: Salto, Lampard, plus U21 coach McFarlane twice temporarily leading.

After Rossonier's dismissal, McFarlane will act as interim manager until season end. For Chelsea, this means this season's fate rests with this temporary coach, doing what can be done. In summer, the Blues will face another complete reshuffle...