Chelsea FC: Who Will Replace Carlo Ancelotti as Manager?
After Chelsea’s double-winning manager Carlo Ancelotti was sacked due to a season without silverware at Stamford Bridge this time around, the question remains as to who will take over this summer.
With some of the biggest names in the sport being linked with the job, club owner Roman Abramovich may well consider some of the following in his ongoing quest to conquer Europe by winning the Champions League for the first time.
1. Guus Hiddink
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Just two years ago, Hiddink managed Chelsea to FA Cup success after taking over as a temporary manager in February 2009. After losing just one game in this period, he quickly became a fans’ favourite in West London and few Chelsea players or supporters would argue against a return for the 64-year-old, including Abramovich, who Hiddink has reportedly been giving advice to this year despite currently managing the Turkish national side.
2. Andre Villas-Boas
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Despite being relatively unknown in world football prior to the start of this season, Villas-Boas has guided Porto to an unbeaten league title at the club in his first season in charge.
Touted as "the next Jose Mourinho", the 33-year-old was a former scout at Chelsea under his fellow countryman’s reign. Villas-Boas completed a treble with Porto by winning the domestic cup and Europa League, becoming the youngest manager to win a European trophy in the history of the game.
3. Jose Mourinho
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Who better than "The Special One"? He who brought the league title to Chelsea for the first time in 50 years in 2005, and is indisputably renowned as the greatest manager in the club’s 106-year history.
A strained relationship with Abramovich may prove to be a barrier preventing his return, however another Champions League title win with Inter last season can only have improved his already magnificent CV. Should he leave Real Madrid after a difficult first season in Spain, would Abramovich be ready to set their differences aside and give him another chance in the country he loves?
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4. Marco Van Basten
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Despite having relatively little managerial experience, Van Basten has already expressed an interest in the job should his name be considered.
An unsuccessful season as manager of Ajax in which his side failed to qualify for the Champions League, is the only club-level experience that Van Basten has had in management, but the former Dutch superstar is certainly one of the biggest names in European football.
5. Harry Redknapp
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Although he wouldn’t be the most popular person in North London if he made the move across the capital to rivals Chelsea, Redknapp has an impressive managerial CV, most recently by helping Tottenham qualify for the Champions League. As Spurs failed to reach the continent’s most prestigious prize for the next campaign, he may be tempted by Abramovich’s millions if the offer comes along.
6. Josep Guardiola
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At just 40 years of age, Guardiola's managerial record is already one of the most impressive in the world. After winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles in his three seasons at the club, Guardiola has established an incredible team at Barcelona, who are already being hailed by many as the best of all time.
He would almost certainly be top of Abramovich's shortlist should the opportunity come along to take him from the Nou Camp, however, it is unlikely that Guardiola would choose to leave the best club in world football.
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