Top 5 managers who could take over at Chelsea this summer

Who will replace Guus Hiddink at Chelsea?Managers have come and gone from Chelsea at an alarming rate. With the ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho being sacked just seven months after winning the Premier League title, it would take a brave man to take up the offer of managing the London club.The current manager Guus Hiddink has done an admirable job since taking over from Mourinho. The affable Dutchman who is yet to lose in his second stint as interim Chelsea manager has been a calming influence on the turbulent Chelsea dressing room. However, Hiddink has confirmed he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season, and with Manchester City already announcing Pep Guardiola as their new manager, Abramovich would like to have a high profile manager of his own taking over at Stamford Bridge.We take a look at 5 managers who could possibly be in charge of Chelsea this summer

#5 Mauricio Pochettino - Tottenham Hotspur

Current Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has impressed one and all with the way he has managed the young and dynamic Spurs outfit this season. Pochettino’s efforts with the North London side have not gone unnoticed and he has been linked with a host of big name clubs including Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Chelsea, who have always gone for managers who are proven trophy winners might be deterred by the fact that Pochettino is yet to win a major trophy in England. However, his understated intensity and a willingness to encourage young players are huge positives for Roman Abramovich.

Pochettino himself however insisted he is satisfied at Tottenham for the movement saying:

‘I always work for the present and the future. I'm very happy here. We've created after 18 months a very good group, with a strong basis for success in the future and I'm very happy.’

‘My job is to be focused, not to hear rumours. The most important thing is that I'm focused on my job.’

‘My focus is here, to try for success at Tottenham and to work hard.’

It will be interesting to see if Pochettino’s stance changes in the face of a firm offer from Chelsea.

#4 Antonio Conte - Italy national team

Italian manager Antonio Conte is reportedly on the lookout for a new challenge after the competion of Euro 2016 in France. The former Juventus manager has long been linked to the Premier League and new reports are emerging that the Italian might be heading to Stamford Bridge.

Conte is understood to have met the club officials before Christmas and is expected to resume talks with the Chelsea board before the end of the Premier League season in May. Conte reportedly has already told the Italian Football Federation that he wants to return to club management aand has also been taking English lessons in order to prepare for the challenging job.

Previously speaking about Conte, Italy and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo said: ‘I have dealt with many coaches in my career but Conte is the one who surprised me the most.’

‘He needed just one speech, with many simple words, to conquer both me and Juventus.’

‘If Arrigo Sacchi was a genius, then what is he? I expected him to be great, but not that great.’

With players the calibre of Pirlo raving about the managerial capabilitites of Conte, the arrival of the Italian might just get Chelsea challenging for top honours again.

#3 Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid

The Argentine manager has been something of a miracle worker with his Atletico Madrid team. Atletico under the stewardship of Simeone have been able to break the duopoly of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona giving them a good run for their money in recent seasons.

Simeone is known for getting the best out of his players and Abramovich has been an admirer of his methods ever since Atletico dismantled Chelsea 4-1 in the European Super Cup. The Chelsea owner also believes that Chelsea have received a massive boost in their plans to sign the manager after the recent transfer ban on Atletico.

Chelsea might also have to face competition from Serie A giants Inter Milan who are willing to fight till the very end to secure the services of their former player. Simeone who had spent two seasons at Inter as a player might be tempted at an opportunity to manage in the Serie A according to talksport.

#2 Manuel Pellegrini - Manchester City

Probably one of the most under-rated managers in the world Manuel Pellegrini would be a perfect choice to take over at Chelsea after the tenure of Guus Hiddink comes to an end. On his way out of City after they announced the signing of super coach Pep Guardiola, Pellegrini might be tempted by an option to remain in England and continue in the Premier League.

The Chilean manager has a stellar record in England securing two trophies in his first season and still competing on all four fronts in his third season. Pellegrini also plays football in a style which pleases the fans and players alike. Abramovich who has long been looking for a manager who can entertain the crowds and win major trophies might have just found his man in the understated Chilean.

Another huge positive for Pellegrini is that he has experience of managing a top level club in the Premier League which might come in very handy if he becomes the next manager at the London club.

#1 Massimiliano Allegri - Juventus

Allegri looks like the man most likely to take over at Chelsea with some reports even suggesting that he has already signed a four year contract with the club. The Juventus manager has had a stellar career in Italy having guided both Milan and Juventus to the Scudetto in recent seasons.

The Italian had a stellar Serie A campaign last season when Juventus cantered home to the title way ahead of their nearest challengers Roma. Allegri also received plenty of plaudits for guiding the Juventus team to the Champions League final last season where they came up just short against a brilliant Barcelona side.

Abramovich is supposedly very impressed with the Italian’s tactics particulary with the way Allegri managed to turn things around this season after a dismal start to the campaign. Juventus who were languishing in the bottom half of the season till October are now on an incredible winning streak of 13 consecutive matches in the Serie A.

The arrival of Allegri will also bring some calm and control to the Chelsea dugout helping Abramovich’s team challenge for top honours both in domestic and European competitions.

Edited by Staff Editor