After a disappointing start to 2018, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is starting to feel the pressure, and going by past record, the club might opt to part ways with their manager.
The question that remains is when that’ll be. The chances of Conte going now look close to certain, but whether the club decides to sack him now or wait until the end of the season is yet unknown.
There’ll be plenty of candidates for the job though, many of whom have had success elsewhere. I’ve picked out a few who are likely to be the frontrunners for the role once it becomes available.
Luis Enrique
Previous management experience: Barcelona B, Roma, Celta Vigo, Barcelona
Honours: La Liga (2014/15, 2015/16), Copa del Rey (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17), Spanish Super Cup 2016, Champions League 2014/15, UEFA Super Cup 2015, FIFA Club World Cup 2015
Luis Enrique stepped down as Barcelona coach last summer and is currently unemployed after his trophy-laden spell at the Camp Nou. He won two La Liga titles and the Champions League in his time at Barca and seems to be the most likely replacement for Antonio Conte if the club want to fire their current manager.
Carlo Ancelotti
Previous management experience: Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris St. Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
Honours: Serie A 2003/04, Coppa Italia 2002/03, Italian Super Cup 2004, Champions League (2002/03, 2006/07, 2013/14), UEFA Super Cup (2003, 2007, 2014), FIFA Club World Cup (2007, 2014), Premier League 2009/10, FA Cup 2009/10, Community Shield 2009, Ligue 1 2012/13, Bundesliga 2016/17, DFL Supercup (2016, 2017)
Ancelotti’s the most experienced manager on this list, but he’s also had a glistening career when placed at the helm of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He’s also a former Chelsea manager and won the club’s first ever domestic double in his first season, as his side went on to become a record-breaking team. He’s also been linked as a possible replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, but there’s no doubting his credentials. Like Enrique, he’s also currently out of work.
Maurizio Sarri
Previous management experience: Empoli, Napoli
Honours: None
Unlike the two frontrunners for the job, Maurizio Sarri is currently employed as Napoli coach and wouldn’t want to leave until the summer as his team currently sit top of Serie A. The Italian coach was a target for West Ham before they hired David Moyes, but his Napoli side have played some of the most attacking football in Europe this season, making him very attractive for the Blues hierarchy. He’s also renowned for promoting young talent, which would be highly beneficial at a club where plenty of money has been thrown at youth development.
Diego Simeone
Previous management experience: Racing Club, Estudiantes La Plata, River Plate, San Lorenzo, Catania, Racing Club, Atletico Madrid
Honours: La Liga 2013/14, Copa del Rey 2012/13, Spanish Super Cup 2014, Europa League 2011/12, UEFA Super Cup 2012
Simeone’s name is regularly banded about whenever there’s a top job going in the Premier League and he was also Chelsea’s first choice target before they hired Conte. However, he has an affinity to Atletico Madrid and has guided them to two Champions League finals as well. His contract at Atletico doesn’t expire until 2020 and he’s reportedly keen on continuing the club’s transition into their new stadium.
Jody Morris
Previous management experience: Chelsea Under-18s
Honours: None
Morris is a former Chelsea player and a well-known figure at the club whose current role is as manager of the under-18 side at Stamford Bridge. It would be very unlikely that he’d be named as permanent manager, but he could be named as a caretaker until the end of the season if Abramovich decides to get rid of Conte and the first-choice targets are unavailable. His management career at youth level is impressive, as he won consecutive FA Youth Cups as well as an Under-18 Premier League south and national title.
Frank Lampard
Previous management experience: None
Honours: None
If the Chelsea board want to get their fans onside, then Frank Lampard would be an excellent option. He has no management experience, but could be used as an interim manager until the end of the season. He turned down a role with Oxford United recently, but has made clear of his desire to manage or coach at the top level. It would be very interesting if him or John Terry were given the role, although it would be a big risk on the club’s behalf.
