From Conte to Mourinho: Every manager linked to Chelsea job

Suraj Radia

• 6 Apr 2023 12:58 CDT
• 4 min read

Chelsea may have appointed Frank Lampard as their manager until the end of the season but the Blues continue to be linked with coaches from all over the world to take over in the summer.

Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea’s caretaker manager for the remainder of the campaign after Graham Potter’s sacking which saw coach Bruno Saltor take charge of the team’s draw against Liverpool earlier this week.

The Blues opted to make a temporary appointment to allow the club time to conduct a ‘thorough and exhaustive process’ to appoint a permanent head coach according to quotes from co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in the statement unveiling Lampard.

RETURN: Frank Lampard appointed Chelsea boss

With Chelsea looking for their fourth full-time manager in just over two years and the second appointment in less than 12 months of Boehly’s takeover, the decision on the new man at the helm will certainly not be taken lightly.

Indeed, a wide variety of names being thrown into the ring was certainly expected given Chelsea’s all-guns-blazing approach in the transfer market, with coaches from the club’s past reportedly being considered as well as the most prestigious managers on the market.

Which managers have been linked to Chelsea so far?

Julian Naglesmann

The front runner to take over at Chelsea in the summer is Julian Naglesmann following the German’s sacking from Bayern Munich last week, a move which some believe convinced Chelsea to pull the trigger and sack Potter.

The young tactician is admired by virtually every major side in the continent and Chelsea’s position could allow Nagelsmann to rebuild at a club willing to spend and give him time to succeed, although he will certainly have a choice of many clubs in the summer.

Luis Enrique

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is also high on Chelsea’s list, having held talks with the club this week, with the ex-Spain manager eager to make the move to a Premier League side.

Enrique is another coach who will have his pick of clubs, meaning Chelsea’s delay in appointing him instantly could see another team make their move, although the Blues will certainly be in his thoughts when he eventually makes his decision.

Mauricio Pochettino

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was available to Chelsea before they appointed Potter, meaning Boehly perhaps has other targets in mind for the role this time around too.

However, Pochettino is still admired in England despite his disappointing stint at Paris Saint-Germain, although a return to Tottenham appears more likely than an approach from Chelsea.

Antonio Conte

Another ex-Tottenham boss reported being considered is Antonio Conte, having won the Premier League and FA Cup during a two-year spell with Chelsea between 2016 and 2018.

The Italian left Tottenham on a sour note last month but he is still considered one of the world’s elite managers, although his temperament may not make for a happy reunion at Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea just have a thing for former managers and, if Conte or Lampard’s second spell wasn’t enough then Jose Mourinho being touted for a third stint with the Blues could raise further eyebrows.

Mourinho appears settled at Roma and has indicated he does not wish to leave the club but an approach from his beloved Chelsea would certainly grab his attention, although modern football may have moved past the Portuguese boss despite his legacy.

Marcelo Gallardo

European football fans may know little about Marcelo Gallardo but the Argentine coach was considered one of the most impressive managers in the world during his time at River Plate.

Gallardo helped launch the careers of Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and he would be a shrewd appointment if the Blues were willing to take a risk on a manager with no managerial experience in Europe.

Roberto De Zerbi

Chelsea may be permanently scared off making a move for Brighton managers but Roberto De Zerbi appears to be something special, having led the Seagulls to top four contention since taking over at the Amex Stadium in September.

However, the Italian is believed to be committed to Brighton and may be unwilling to leave the club having seen the way Potter’s decision worked out, making a move to Chelsea unlikely.

Oliver Glasner

A surprise option thought to be on Chelsea’s shortlist is Oliver Glasner, who has impressed in charge of Frankfurt where he won the Europa League last season.

Chelsea have close ties to German football and are thought to admire Glasner but his reputation may be too low to take the gamble on despite his credentials.

The others

Ultimately the list is endless for Chelsea, who will likely take their time before announcing a decision, with the likes of Ruben Amorim, Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers all also contenders.

There is also the chance that Lampard could be appointed on a full-time basis if he succeeds during his interim role, meaning Chelsea’s new manager could come down to how the team performs in the coming months.