Chelsea: Who Can Get the Holy Grail for Roman Abramovich?

It's an open secret that Roman Abramovich wants to win the UEFA Champions' League more than any other trophy. To him, it is like the Holy Grail, always elusive and mysterious.

He had his best year in terms of getting that Holy Grail when Chelsea reached the UCL finals in 2008. He couldn't have been happier when John Terry stepped up to take the penalty. However, a few seconds later, the ultimate prize was once again as far as it was at the very beginning of the match.

The man who plotted to win, Avram Grant, has been dismissed from his post, and now Abramovich is in the hunt for the perfect Grail Hunter. He tried out Ranieri, Mourinho, and Grant—all to no avail.

The likes of Rijkaard, Mancini, Ancelotti, Hughes, and Deschamps are in contention for the new head at the Bridge.

Recently, Deschamps, who is Chelsea's former player, announced himself to be the favourite for the post, but that turned out to be a boast more than a claim. Then, there was the speculation of Chelsea having landed Ancelotti, but he insisted that he was not leaving Milan.

The likes of Scolari have also been mentioned for the job. However, his comments were vague and pointed to no clear conclusion.

The million dollar question now is—who will be the next manager at Stamford Bridge?

Whoever becomes the manager, their objective is clear—win the UEFA Champions League.

Let's have a look at the contenders.

Frank Rijkaard

As former manager of Barcelona, his record with the club was impressive at the beginning, but as the years passed, the record looked more of a mid-table team, rather than that of a club of Barca's status.

But, he has the experience of winning in Europe as a player as well as a manager. That could tempt Abramovich to sign him. To me, he is the front runner.

Roberto Mancini

The deposed former Inter manager was replaced by Mourinho. His record with Inter is impressive, winning three consecutive Scudettos.

However, his teams have been very bad in cup competitions, which makes him look like a league specialist. He might not be signed because of his woeful cup competition record.

Carlo Ancelotti

Two-time UCL winner as a manager, Ancelotti might be the perfect fit for Abramovich, as he looks to win the UCL again.

But, his commitment to Milan is very strong and he doesn't look like he is leaving.

Then again, you never know.

Mark Hughes

Chelsea's former super striker, Mark Hughes has been phenomenal with Blackburn as a manager. With limited resources and mediocre players, he has turned Blackburn into a formidable force.

He also has great foresight, and his signing of Bayern reject Santa Cruz proves that. However, his lack of experience in managing a big club would go against him.

Didier Deschamps

A former World Cup, Euro, and UCL winner as a player, he still has a point to prove as a manager. He had already reached the UCL finals with AS Monaco, only to lose to Mourino's Porto.

He guided Juventus back to the Serie A with a depleted side, and then resigned. He recently announced himself as favourite for the job, but that has been proved wrong.

Luis Felipe Scolari

The former World Cup winner with Brazil, his teams have always performed well in big competitions, which just might lead Abramovich to sign this genius. He has won the South American equivalent of the UCL, and is yet to manage a European club. However, it is still not clear whether if he is really in the running.

With one of these high-profile managers to arrive at Stamford Bridge, Abramovich will be hoping to win the Holy Grail of European football sooner rather than later.

But legend has it, the Grail only goes to those who are worthy of it.