Chelsea shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing the return of Frank Lampard to the club. The former Chelsea boss had been out of work since leaving Everton, but is set to see out the season with the Blues.
It will be Lampard who leads Chelsea into their Champions League tie against Real Madrid, with Los Blancos heavy favourites to make their way past Lampard and company.
Official, confirmed: Frank Lampard has been appointed as new Chelsea head coach until the end of the season 🔵🤝🏻 #CFC
The club will continue to meet other managers as candidates for long term job. pic.twitter.com/o1hHOZEdQL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2023
However the race for the permanent job is by no means done. Former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique Martinez was seen returning from talks with Chelsea on Wednesday, but would give little away on his future.
Speaking to Caught Offside for his Substack column, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann were strong favourites.
“It won’t change Chelsea’s intention to find new coach for long term project; Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique remain in the race for sure, of course most likely waiting for the summer now to get started at Stamford Bridge.”
“We know Chelsea decided to make a change and have had conversations with managers in the last few days, though not with Roberto De Zerbi and not with Luciano Spalletti. We know Ruben Amorim is also appreciated but he’s not leaving Sporting now.”
“But we know Julian Nagelsmann is one of the favourites, and also Luis Enrique was in London on Wednesday morning. Chelsea held talks with Nagelsmann about the long-term project, and these conversations were very positive, but Enrique also prepared a detailed plan for his Chelsea project, so let’s see how this develops, and if other candidates will join them in the race.”
Luis Enrique declared his desire to manage in England last week, but also explained that he wanted to go to a team that had a chance of winning something.
Image via Fran Santiago/Getty Images
