Top 5 Managers To Replace Benitez

Top 5 Managers To Replace Benitez

There has been intense speculation on who will replace interim manager Rafael Benitez in the summer. This will be the Blues ninth manager in six years. There have been a lot of names linked with the post this time around but below are the five probable candidates that could decide to take the reins at Stamford Bridge if offered the job:

1)      Jose Mourinho

The ‘Special One’ would have no shortage of suitors if he decides to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. Reports in Spain suggest that his contentious relationship with Madrid President Perez will culminate in his departure from the Bernebeu. Mourinho has always stressed his next assignment will be in England with some reports suggesting that the 50-year-old has already agreed a three-year-deal in principal to manage the Blues.

2)      David Moyes

The Everton manager has been at the helm for 11 years at Goodison Park, but it seems he is ready for a new challenge as his contract expires in the summer with talks over an extension due to take place only after the season is over. In recent seasons, he has consistently challenged for European places, but a lack of funds has hindered Everton’s progress. He has hinted that the lack of financial backing could lead to his departure and what better place than Stamford Bridge, where availability of funds will be the last concern on his mind.

3)      Guus Hiddink

Hiddink shares an excellent relationship with owner Abramovich, part of the reason why he accepted the role of caretaker manager in Feb 2009 until the end of the season, while continuing his duties with Russia. He was impressive in his three-month spell at the Blues, reinvigorating the squad, and successfully leading them to FA Cup glory. The Anzhi manager is out of contract at the end of the season, and Abramovich has reportedly sounded out the Dutchman over the Chelsea post.

4)      Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach, Simeone, is considered to be an outside bet for the job, with many predicting that the only reason he is being linked with the post is that he might be able to assist Chelsea to bring prolific hitman Falcao to Stamford Bridge. He joined Atletico last December and led them to Europa League glory in May. He has already won the European Super Cup this season (beating Chelsea in so doing) and has done a remarkable job to perhaps break the stranglehold of Real and Barca in Spain. Even though they have faltered in recent weeks and are a point behind Real in third, they are still favourites to finish second due to their neighbour’s commitments to this season’s Champions League.

5)      Michael Laudrup

Although the Swansea manager signed a new contract last month, it was really just to scare away any potential suitors by inserting a £10 million release clause. Abramovich has paid more than that to land AVB in the past, and could do so again. Laudrup has had a fantastic time since he arrived at Swansea in the summer. They won the Capital One Cup in February and sit in the top 10 of the Premier League. They employ a free-flowing and attacking style of play, much akin to the style which is desired by the Chelsea owner.