A look at the best candidates to replace interim boss Rafael Benitez at Stamford Bridge next season.
1. Manuel Pellegrini
Pellegrini has done great work with Malaga after being somewhat harshly sacked by Real Madrid. He would appear to be Roman Abramovich’s first choice after rumours emerged that Chelsea had already opened talks with the Chilean tactician. However, Pellegrini himself recently stated that he was happy at Malaga. After a difficult time at Real, would he really want to face similar pressure at Chelsea, who have had nine managers in as many years?
2. Jurgen Klopp
The Borussia Dortmund coach is on everyone’s radar at the moment after three highly impressive years with the Bundesliga club. Despite limited resources, Klopp has led his young side to two consecutive league titles and the Champions League semi-finals this season, all whilst playing an attractive brand of football that might appeal to Abramovich.
Manchester City are also interested, and with Roberto Mancini’s future up in the air, it might be a case of who gets there first.
3. Jose Mourinho
The Real Madrid boss has revealed he won’t be staying at the Bernabeu beyond this season and is believed to be tempted by a return to Chelsea. The Portugese tactician delivered two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, but ultimately left due to disagreements with Abramovich. He has gone on to enjoy great success at both Inter Milan and Real, but would the Russian oligarch be willing to work with the controversial coach again?
4. David Moyes
After over ten years with Everton, Moyes has impressed fans and pundits alike with his consistency, and ability to get the best out of his team with a limited spending budget. The Scot has not committed his future to the club beyond this season and may feel he has earned the chance to try a new challenge. Is he a big enough name for Abrahmovich and would he play the stylish, attacking football the Chelsea owner wants to see?
Interestingly, Moyes’ Everton side go to Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season, and the two teams could still be fighting it out with each other for a place in the top four.
5. Michael Laudrup
Laudrup has earned lavish praise for his first season in the Premier League, continuing on from the good work by Brendan Rodgers and arguably bettering it. The Dane’s Swansea side have played excellent football all season long and look set for a top-half finish to add to their Capital One Cup win. Although he has played down speculation about his future, he has already been linked with the Real Madrid job among others. The 48-year-old would be a good fit for Chelsea, and they could certainly do worse.