MY ACCOUNT
Chelsea remain winless since Frank Lampard returned to the dugout and the Blues caretaker boss is facing a potential exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid tonight.
Losses to Wolves and Brighton in the Premier League have already made it unlikely that the club legend will remain in charge at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.
Ahead of the quarter-final second leg in West London, we take a look at the candidates in the frame to take the reins.
Julian Nagelsmann
Axed Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann remains one of the favourites to become the next Blues manager and reports suggest that talks have already taken place with the German.
After making his name at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, the 35-year-old tactician went on to win the Bundesliga with the Bavarian giants in 2021-22 and was still fighting for three major trophies before being sacked last month.
His aggressive style of play would be welcomed at Stamford Bridge but there is some concern over Nagelsmann’s experience at the top level.
He remains one of the youngest coaches in Europe’s top five leagues and would be expected to deliver instant success under Todd Boehly’s regime.
Luis Enrique
Another top candidate for the hot seat is former Spain and Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique.
The seasoned Spaniard has been out of a job since leaving his role with the national team after they crashed out of the World Cup in Qatar last year.
His tiki-taka style of play would see his side look to dominate possession and the 52-year-old would garner immediate respect, thanks to his tally of seven major trophies won at Barca.
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is said to be open to a sensational return to Chelsea, keen on occupying the Stamford Bridge dugout for the third time in his career.
The Roma boss is revered for his success across multiple clubs and he won the Premier League in both of his previous two stints in charge.
Sentimental reasons may be the driving factor behind the idea of Mourinho’s return but his winning record and relationship with the fans would satisfy many of the Blues faithful.
Marcelo Gallardo
Marcelo Gallardo would be a surprising appointment but his managerial reputation has rocketed in the last year.
The 47-year-old spent eight years in charge of River Plate and has won a hatful of major honours in Argentina, including a league title and two Copa Libertadores crowns.
Similar to Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, the Argentine favours possession-based football and is willing to be patient with build-up play.
Gallardo has never managed outside of South America but could be a risk worth taking.
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily touted for the vacant position at Tottenham but could yet be in line to become the next Chelsea manager.
The ex-Spurs boss has been without a role in management since he was relieved of his duties by Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
But he could return to the Premier League in the coming months to work with one of the most expensive squads in Europe.
