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Top 5 candidates to replace Mourinho as next Chelsea manager
Following the sacking of Mourinho, here’s a look at the top five candidates who can succeed him as the next Chelsea manager.
Defending EPL champions Chelsea announced on Thursday they were sacking manager Jose Mourinho after a disastrous start to their 2015-16 campaign.
The London-based club is currently at the 16th position in the English Premier League table after nine defeats in 16 matches. Earlier in the season, they were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties by Stoke City.
Following the sacking of Mourinho, here’s a look at the top five candidates who can succeed him as the next Chelsea manager.
Carlo Ancelotti
The 56-year-old Italian manager was in charge of Chelsea in 2009 and was instrumental in guiding them to a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first spell in charge. But after a string of bad performances, he was sacked in the Goodison Park corridor a year later after a defeat against Everton and a trophy-less 2010-11 campaign. The former Real Madrid head coach is currently recovering from a back surgery and will be a big appointment for the London club considering his reputation as a big-club manager.
Pep Guardiola
The German media is already abuzz with rumours of the the Spaniard leaving Bayern Munich next summer and, at present, Manchester City seems to be his favoured destination. The sacking of Mourinho, however, can be a turning point, as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will be looking for a big-name signing and Guardiola may just be the need of the hour for the defending EPL champions.
Guus Hiddink
The former Dutch manager is already being considered as the favourite to be appointed as Chelsea’s interim manager and considering his impressive record with international sides, the London club will be looking to offer him a permanent position. Coincidentally, Hiddink was appointed as the interim manager of Chelsea in 2009, but was replaced by Carlo Ancelloti later that year.
Juande Ramos
The former Sevilla and Tottenham manager is another leading candidate for the Chelsea top job and his experience in the Premier League will give him an edge over his competitors. The British media is predicting that Chelsea will be opting for the Spainard just like they went for his compatriot Rafa Benitez after Roberto Di Matteo was sacked.
Diego Simeone
The Atletico Madrid boss has been in the crosshairs of Chelsea for a long time now and this can be the perfect chance for them to appoint him as the new manager. The Argentine coach guided Madrid to their first La Liga title in eight years and can work wonders with the Chelsea team, who are currently struggling at the 16th position in EPL rankings.
