‘All indications’: 64-year-old manager would likely reject Chelsea job if it’s offered to him – journalist

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Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti would most likely turn down the Chelsea job if it’s offered to him, according to reports.

Luciano Spalletti, who’s 64, is a high-profile manager enjoying a fantastic season at the helm of Napoli.

His Italian side are storming towards the Serie A title. They’re in the Champions League quarter-finals, too.

With Chelsea still in the hunt for a permanent manager next season, plenty of top coaches from across the globe are being linked with the vacant spot at Stamford Bridge.

Journalist Simon Phillips told GiveMeSport this week that Chelsea are prioritising Julian Nagelsmann over Luis Enrique in their hunt for a new manager.

In the meantime, Chelsea’s caretaker boss, Frank Lampard, is preparing his side to take on Real Madrid tonight.

Speaking on The London’s First podcast, journalist Ben Jacobs has delivered an intriguing on Napoli’s 64-year-old boss.

He explains that Chelsea may have Spalletti on their managerial shortlist and may even want to hold conversations with him.

However, Jacobs doubts whether the Italian would be interested in taking the job in West London.

“Luciano Spalletti is one to keep an eye one. I don’t think he would take the Chelsea job, to be perfectly honest with you. I was over covering the Napoli vs Milan game. And I spoke to Spalletti afterwards and he wouldn’t be drawn on any early links at that stage, his sole focus is on winning the Scudetto and the Champions League,” Jacobs said.

“He’s also 64, and I think Chelsea might want to go with someone a little bit younger or long-term. But all indications from my trip over to Naples are that Spalletti may well be someone on the shortlist, they may want to speak to him, but I don’t see him being particularly interested.”

Spalletti is a very experienced manager playing an attractive brand of football in Naples, so he should tick a lot of boxes for the Chelsea hierarchy.

However, we’re not too surprised hearing he won’t be tempted by the Blues job.

There is a lot of talent within the Chelsea dressing room that just needs the right guidance, but a lot of work needs to be done before they can succeed. For starters, the squad size needs cutting drastically in the summer.