The Mirror have reported that Didier Deschamps and Mark Hughes have emerged as contenders to become Chelsea‘s next permanent manager.
The tabloid note that Deschamps—the current manager of France—is under consideration, as is Hughes, who has joined his fellow Chelsea old boy on Roman Abramovich’s shortlist.
The report states that the Russian owner has grown tired of the short-termism that drove appointments such as Rafael Benitez, Avram Grant and current interim coach Guus Hiddink, and is keen to recruit a new coach who can offer a long-term strategy for the club.
To this end, he has entrusted influential technical director Michael Emenalo and advisor Marina Granovskaia with the job of finding the right person to replace Hiddink and guide the club into the future.
World Cup winner Deschamps could be the man, having enjoyed success at AS Monaco, Juventus and Olympique de Marseille, while it’s understandable why Hughes might be an appealing prospect.
The 52-year-old represented the Pensioners between 1995 and 1998, and while he didn’t truly hit the heights as manager of Manchester City or Queens Park Rangers, his work at Blackburn Rovers, Wales, Fulham and current club Stoke City merits admiration.
Chelsea have been without a permanent manager since Jose Mourinho was dismissed in December.
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