Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Zinedine Zidane, who is currently out of a job, as a potential replacement for under-fire manager Maurizio Sarri.
According to a report by The Sun, Zinedine Zidane has emerged as a priority for Chelsea. The former Real Madrid manager is being considered as a possible replacement option for Maurizio Sarri, who has come under fire for the Blues’ poor results in recent weeks.
Maurizio Sarri’s stint at Chelsea could not have started in a more promising manner, with the West Londoners going toe to toe with Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League title race. But, the 3-1 loss to Tottenham in November has sapped their momentum.
While the Blues have notched up impressive results against City and Spurs since then, they are far from the attacking force they were in the first couple of months of the season. The latest setback came in the form of a 6-0 trouncing at the hands of the Premier League champions, which has amped up the pressure on Sarri further.
In the aftermath of the crushing result, the Chelsea boss has come under fire from pundits, with Jamie Carragher, in particular, being scathing in his criticism. And, the report suggests that Sarri’s place at the helm at Stamford Bridge is no longer secure, with Zinedine Zidane being considered to be the next manager, if Sarri is shown the exit door.
The Frenchman has been out of a job ever since he called it quits at Real Madrid after guiding them to a historic third successive Champions League triumph. And, having showcased his mettle to oversee successful campaigns at the topmost level, he could be just what Chelsea need to return to the top of English and European football if Sarri is unable to turn things around at the Bridge.
The report also adds that Zidane’s appointment is also being viewed as a last-ditch effort to convince Eden Hazard to stay put at the club and sign a new contract, with the Belgian international admittedly idolising the former Real Madrid manager. Hazard has recently been linked with a move away from Chelsea, with Real Madrid being reported as a possible destination.
But, it remains to be seen if appointing Zidane as the next manager does anything to sway the talisman’s mind. If it can, it would be a masterstroke by the Chelsea board, with Hazard arguably being the most important player in their first-team squad.
For now though, Maurizio Sarri will be intent on turning things around at Stamford Bridge. But, if he does not, we could very well see Zinedine Zidane being the next manager to take charge of Chelsea.
