Marcelo Gallardo could soon become Chelsea’s next permanent manager, according to reports.
Brazilian publication UOL claims that Marcelo Gallardo, 47, is “close” to taking charge as the Chelsea boss next season.
They report that the Argentine manager, who’s been out of work since leaving River Plate last year, has told his assistants he will only return to management from June onwards.
It is understood that Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez views Gallardo as a father figure. He coached the 22-year-old for a few years at River Plate before his move to European football.
UOL add that Gallardo will not consider positions at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
We will be hesitant to believe the Gallardo rumours until more sources start mentioning his name, but he is starting to crop up in certain parts of the media.
According to The Independent last week, Gallardo has put himself forward as a candidate to Chelsea. The Blues view him as an “interesting option”, albeit they’re preferring a manager with top-level experience in Europe.
The 47-year-old does have an impressive CV and a history of winning trophies. His managerial success has only come in South American club football so far, though.
It’s going to need someone to take a punt on him to prove his credentials in Europe.
The Enzo Fernandez factor is definitely an interesting one in this saga.
Whoever the next Chelsea manager is, Fernandez needs to be central to their plans.
He’s a top-quality midfielder and cost a British-record sum of £106.8million (Sky Sports), so bringing in someone who’s coached him before is a big tick.
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