Chelsea have reportedly added Nuno Espirito Santo to their managerial shortlist to potentially replace under-fire boss Maurizio Sarri.
According to an exclusive report by Daily Star, Nuno Espirito Santo has emerged as the latest managerial option for Chelsea to consider as a possible replacement for Maurizio Sarri. The incumbent Blues boss has lately been under intense pressure due to a number of poor results since the turn of the year.
Chelsea started a new phase after Antonio Conte’s roller coaster of a two-year when they appointed Maurizio Sarri last summer. The start to life under another Italian manager was promising, with the Blues appearing to be possible Premier League title contenders. But, it was only to be a false dawn.
The first setback was a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham and since then, Chelsea have suffered embarrassing losses to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Bournemouth, among others. Such poor results have invariably heaped the pressure on Sarri, whose job is reportedly under threat. And, Nuno Espirito Santo is the latest on the West Londoners’ shortlist of potential replacements.
The Portuguese was quite a journeyman during an 18-month senior playing career, enjoying most of his success with FC Porto. In 2012, he entered the world of football management, but did not have the best of times at any of his first three clubs – Rio Ave, Valencia and FC Porto.
In 2017, Nuno was appointed by the cash-rich Wolverhampton Wanderers and he has not looked back since. In his first season, the 45-year-old guided Wolves to a promotion clinching campaign, as the Midlands club finished atop the Championship table, and the only way has been up this term as well.
While Wolves were returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2012, they have exceeded expectations, performing unlike any other promoted side has in the history of the competition. Among the impressive showings by Nuno Espirito Santo & co. are wins over Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as stalemates against the two Manchester clubs.
The latest in such a string of results came against Chelsea again, as Wolves held them to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Therefore, it comes as little surprise that the Blues are now interested in appointing Nuno, if things do not improve dramatically under Sarri’s tutelage.
The 45-year-old is the latest name to be linked with the Chelsea top job. As far as Nuno is concerned, his style of play would be pleasing for the Stamford Bridge faithfuls to watch week in week out.
It now remains to be seen if Maurizio Sarri is shown the exit door, although recent performances suggest that his team is improving under his tutelage. If Chelsea do part ways with him, however, Nuno Espirito Santo could well be on his way to Stamford Bridge.
