Chelsea have been linked with a raft of managerial replacements for the interim manager, Guus Hiddink, over the last fortnight or so.
In reality, we feel that The Blues will struggle to better what they already have with the calm and calculated Dutchman.
But we rank some other possibilities.
Ex-Chelsea man ‘Sparky’ Hughes has done a remarkable job at Stoke. He could have left them pretty much as he found them as a stoical and hard to break down Premier League side. But, to the surprise of many, he has enlivened the team with flair players. Afellay, Krkic and Xherdan Shaqiri have been brilliant acquisitions and Stoke are great to watch.
Whether Hughes would be trusted with the keys to Stamford Bridge is highly debatable though.
3/10
Mo-Po
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is another ‘surprise’ candidate for the role. We have always been massive fans of his and felt sure that he would do a great job at Spurs.
But he seems settled there and would he really want to jeopardise his stock by going such a volatile club?
4/10
Pep
Everyone in football seems to think that this guy can walk on air. He’s clearly a top boss but not a shoe-in for immediate success in England, as many assume. He’s been linked with Chelsea, City and United of late.
He’s very keen on the possession-based style of football that has got LvG in so much trouble at Manchester United and, although he would be a decent bet, he seems destined for Manchester City.
6/10
Diego Simeone
Another who might struggle to leave his current club but has been linked to Chelsea. But, sooner or later, you imagine he will fancy a new challenge. And we think that his style is perfect for England. He’s not so fussed about volume of possession and more about what you do with the ball when you have it.
We love him. Chelsea would love him. Were think that Simeone is the standout candidate.
8/10
Guus Hiddink
Which brings us back to the interim man himself. Would it be such a bad thing if he stayed on for another year or two? He seems to have a rare ability to stay on the good side of the top brass and he’s a superb manager.
6/10
Chelsea fans: who is it for you?
