Zinedine Zidane is the latest in a long line of managers to be rumoured to become the Blues next boss after the Frenchman stepped down from his role at Real Madrid.
Zidane and Madrid president Florentino Perez called an emergency press conference this morning, leaving fans of the club fearing the worst.
And those fears turned into reality as Zidane announced he was to leave Madrid with immediate effect – only five days after guiding Los Blancos to their third consecutive Champions League trophy.
“I love this club,” said Zidane, “[But] What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology. And that’s why I took this decision.”
Zidane, 45, took over after Rafael Benitez was sacked and was in charge for 149 games. He steered Real to 104 wins and 29 draws, had 69.8% win rate, and won nine trophies.
While bad news for Madrid fans, Zidane’s resignation from the European Champions could mean quite the opposite for Chelsea fans.
The Blues find themselves in managerial turmoil, with Italian Antonio Conte expected to be forced out of the club in the coming weeks.
Conte failed to guide Chelsea to a top four finish last season, and publicly criticized owner Roman Abramovich on numerous occasions throughout the season for an apparent ‘lack of ambition’ in the transfer market.
Former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri had been the favourite to replace Conte once issues over a payout for the Chelsea boss – who has one-year remaining on his contract – were resolved, however Zidane’s latest actions have turned the tables.
The Frenchman is now widely believed to be on his way to Stamford Bridge, and is placed as high as 6/1 from bookmakers following this morning’s shock announcement.
Could it be true? The Chelsea fans hope so …
Screaming, Zidane will become Chelsea manager as Hazard said he would want to work with him, Marina FC strikes again – Imagine the scenes 😂😂
— The Blue Co. Project Podcast (@BlueCoProject) May 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/TinyVisagie/status/1002144800102141952
Zidane feels he can't offer more to the team again and he leaves. Conte is here fighting for £9m. Massive difference in class.
— 4-3-3 Resistance (@iChelseaRelated) May 31, 2018
Conte to Real Madrid, Zidane to Chelsea and we're all happy!
— G (@HICCUP_o) May 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/gate17marco/status/1002138707384848384
Can't see Zidane taking over at Chelsea (or anywhere else) for next season, but we'd be mad not to try since it would guarantee Hazard staying for years. #CFC
— Jack Barton (@jack_barton_8) May 31, 2018
Zidane to Chelsea anyone? 👀
— Uber Chelsea FC (@UberChelseaFC_) May 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/youneshh/status/1002150311065157633
Zidane should come to Chelsea pic.twitter.com/ojLBGeWGO0
— 🖤 (@qween_tata) May 31, 2018
Come on @marina @roman bring Zidane to Chelsea 💉
— J (@ChelseaJF11) May 31, 2018