To sum up Chelsea’s season so far it is fair to say that the manager, the players, and the supporters cannot wait for the season to end. That in itself would explain how things have panned out for the London club following their Premier League triumph during the previous campaign.
Since Roman Abramovich walked through the doors at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea faithful have been used to ruthless sackings and new managerial appointments within two seasons. Well, without no surprise, it is that time of year again for the club, so here are five potential candidates to replace Conte in the summer:
Carlo Ancelotti
Currently out of a job after being sacked by Bayern Munich earlier on in the season, Carlo Ancelotti will be well aware of how the ship runs at Stamford Bridge. The former Real Madrid man won the domestic double at Chelsea during the 2009-10 season but was sacked a year later after finishing second behind Manchester United. There is no doubt that supporter’s hold Ancelotti in high regard but more than likely the majority wouldn’t want an old face returning to the club again.
Eddie Howe
You have to possess some serious qualities as a manager if you can lead a club, the size of Bournemouth, to the Premier League and keep them there. Not forgetting that ten years ago they were on the verge of going bust, so Howe’s story with the Cherries is even more remarkable. At this moment in time, Bournemouth sit one point outside of the top ten with Howe looking to secure another top half finish with six games of the season remaining. Howe probably ticks a lot of boxes, he is young, ambitious, plays possession-based football and has shown his qualities in the top flight.
Massimo Allegri
Another Italian on the list for Chelsea fans to ponder. Massimo Allegri replaced Conte as Juventus manager in 2014, helping the club win the domestic double on three occasions. Added with that, he guided them to two Champions League finals where they were outclassed by Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. Or in other words, outclassed by Messrs Messi and Ronaldo. Allegri has the proven track record on the bigger stage, experience and the defensive style that would suit Chelsea. Not forgetting, he has successfully replaced Conte before.
Leonardo Jardim
The young and vibrant Monaco manager has been credited for bringing through a host of talented players such as Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, and a certain Tiemoue Bakayoko. Last season, Leonardo Jardim broke the stranglehold from Paris Saint-Germain to guide his side to the Ligue 1 title. Jardim’s young side also reached the Champions League semi-final. His eye-catching style of play and ability to bring through youth would certainly light up Stamford Bridge.
Luis Enrique
During one of many meltdowns Chelsea have been through this season, Luis Enrique’s name was mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Conte. Just like Ancelotti, the Spaniard is currently out of work after he left Barcelona in the summer. During his time at the Now Camp, Enrique was a serial winner, but his style of play didn’t win plaudits with those associated with the club. Enrique won the treble with Barcelona during his first season in charge, but his decision to play a bit more direct and get the ball a little quicker to the front three didn’t exactly go down well. Enrique gets the job done over a short period. It seems like he suits Chelsea down to a tee.