There are different reports everyday over which names are on the managerial shortlist, including the likes of Antonio Conte, Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Diego Simeone and David Moyes.
But the Daily Express have thrown a new name into the fray as they believe that current Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes is a possible candidate to take over from interim manager Rafael Benitez at the end of the season.
I was under the impression that he was retiring at the end of the season so this particular rumour was slightly baffling but German publication Kicker reported that Heynckes was disappointed that he would have to retire at the end of the season to make way for Chelsea’s initial number one target Pep Guardiola.
They also say that he has been linked with the Schalke job and they reckon that the powers that be at Stamford Bridge would be able to convince the 67-year-old to put off his retirement with a final big job.
Whether or not he’d be keen on this is another matter but his side are currently running away with the Bundesliga title and are about to dispose of Arsenal in the Champions League, and I’d not put it past them to put the ghosts of last season behind them and win it. It’s just a question of his appetite for success.
However, no matter which manager takes the job in the summer there are several issues that would need to be resolved in order to create an environment to succeed as the current on is chaotic. The new man would need a clean slate which means a few of the dressing room rebels may have had their final hurrah, the board structure is lacking football people and many have questioned Michael Emenalo’s role this season and most importantly, time has to be afforded in order to rebuild.
The board at Chelsea have made mistakes in the past, they’ve made mistakes this season and have ignored perennial issues for too long. As our options dwindle it is now that they must learn from these errors and build something that is tangible long-term as well as successful in the interim.
