There’s one available manager that is interested in the vacant job at Chelsea this summer. However, Stamford Bridge officials are unsure about whether he’s the right man to take charge.
The Blues need to appoint a new head coach following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent.
So, who are the frontrunners in this latest managerial race?
The Guardian reports that Chelsea’s managerial shortlist includes Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.
A different name reportedly likes the of succeeding Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, though.
Manager interested in Chelsea
i claims that Roberto De Zerbi is keen on Chelsea’s manager position.
It is explained that the 44-year-old coach, who’s available after leaving Brighton at the end of the season, has plenty of options.
But the report says that Chelsea are currently ‘unsure’ on whether De Zerbi is the right for them in their search for the next head coach.
The speculation in the media isn’t pointing towards De Zerbi becoming Chelsea’s next manager, but let’s remember he’s worked with a lot of the players and staff before at Brighton.
Roberto De Zerbi a ‘special’ coach
De Zerbi’s clear brand of possession-based football is admirable. In fact, Brighton ranked fourth highest in the Premier League for most possession this season with 59.8% (FBREF).
Don’t let his disappointing end to his spell at Brighton distract you from his influence and impact at the Amex Stadium in the last couple of years. The Italian won 38 games, drew 20 and lost 31 at Brighton. It means he’s got a respectable 1.51 points per game with the Seagulls.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast in March, Micah Richards waxed lyrical about De Zerbi. He said: “I think he’s a top manager… He’s got something special. He’s a bit like not Pep [Guardiola] in terms of quality, but the way they see the game. They’re always trying to forward think in terms of what can I do differently and tactically.”
Chelsea would be the biggest job in De Zerbi’s coaching career so far. He’s far more experienced than some of the other candidates linked with the Blues, though.