If Frank Lampard fails to get Chelsea firing, who could replace him?
The pressure continues to mount on Frank Lampard after Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Leicester on Tuesday night. Chelsea currently sit eighth in the Premier League, although there are no plans to change manager as it stands.
If, and it is a big if, Roman Abramovich chooses to move on from Lampard, who are the possible replacements that could be brought in?
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel was relieved from his duties at PSG at the end of December, meaning he is available should Chelsea wish to move swiftly. The German has plenty of experience at big clubs, having managed at Borussia Dortmund for two years before moving to Paris.
Tuchel won two league titles with PSG and led them to their first ever Champions League final. However, his spell in charge was full of falling out with players and disharmony in the squad, particularly in the current season before his dismissal.
It is thought Chelsea could be put off by his management style due to Tuchel’s reputation as being difficult to work with. His inability to manage the big personalities at PSG, of which there are many, could count against him.
However, it feels as if Tuchel would be a safe appointment on the pitch. He is a competent and experienced manager, used to dealing with high expectations.
Brendan Rodgers
Although Rodgers may not be a popular option among Chelsea fans, it is hard to deny the success he has had in his career. Rodgers did a remarkable job at Swansea, Celtic and with this current Leicester team that are still in contention for the title just over half-way through the season.
However, the fact that Rodgers did not get the results desired at Liverpool will count against him. It is also worth pointing out that Leicester are in a far better position than Chelsea at the moment, which would certainly give Rodgers pause about jumping ship.
Rodgers deserves a shot at a ‘top six club’, but Chelsea may not be the best fit for him.
Julian Nagelsmann
The 33-year-old German is undoubtedly the most intriguing candidate. Nagelsmann has coached RB Leipzig since 2019, leading them to relative domestic and European success. He is also a fluent English speaker, with Abramovich thought to be an admirer of his body of work.
Nagelsmann coached Timo Werner at Leipzig, and if it is thought he can help transform the forward back into the goal-scoring player Chelsea purchased, it will certainly put him in a strong position for the job.
A move to one of Europe’s elite clubs is inevitable for Nagelsmann, will Chelsea be bold and go for it first?
Massimiliano Allegri
Allegri is a proven winner, having led Juventus to five Serie A titles to add to the one league win he had during his spell at AC Milan.
At the end of the 2019 season, Allegri left Juventus having achieved everything he could domestically, although success in the Champions League eluded him.
Allegri fits a similar mould to Tuchel, in the sense that he is an experienced manager who has won trophies and is currently available.
Chelsea have previously hired Antonio Conte and Maurizo Sarri following success in Serie A, although neither lasted particularly long at Stamford Bridge.
Diego Simeone
Simeone has been one of the best managers in Europe for the past decade - but is he willing to leave Atletico?
The Argentinean had hinted that this could be his last year with the club but there is a possibility he will sign a new contract. If Chelsea were to move on from Lampard during this season, it is unlikely Simeone would be immediately available.
The character of Simeone and the defensive way in which his team play would be an interesting fit at Stamford Bridge, given all the attacking talent that is in the current squad.
Persuading Simeone to come to the Premier League would be a massive coup, but it feels somewhat unlikely. He has been heavily linked to Chelsea in the past, however.
