Italian news outlet, Football Italia has reported that Napoli looking to fend off Chelsea interests over their manager, Maurizio Sarri. The club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis said, “We have set a meeting for February 9. Obviously, I can’t force Sarri to stay, but if he were to leave, he’d be missing out on a series of projects. We’re preparing Casa Napoli, our new training centre, maybe even a new stadium. In any case, I doubt Maurizio is passing through, as he’s a very ethical man. There is a release clause worth €8m, though I’d gladly remove it.”
Judging by the season that Napoli are enjoying at the moment, perched at the top of the Serie A no wonder Premier League clubs are peering in to understand the reason behind their success. Sarri has integrated a fast paced highly energetic style of play which has seen the Partenopei Gli Azzurri slot in 50 goals in 23 league games and stay one point clear of Juventus at the top. Even if Napoli fails to end their rival’s consecutive title-winning run, Sarri will still be hailed as one of the most influential managers in European football after this season. However, losing out on his services will force Chelsea to look elsewhere for a manager and here are the candidates that Roman Abramovich should be considering.
Sean Dyche
Burnley has been a revelation this season with their eyes set on the European qualification spot of the Premier League. Dyche’s style of play demands discipline and excellence from all his players and this has paid off ten folds in recent times. With the limited resources the club has if they do finish the season in the 7th spot over the likes of Everton and Leicester City, Dyche is well deserving of a promotion to an elite side.
Carlo Ancelotti
The Italian tactician was sacked by Bayern Munich after just one season with the German outfit. After leaving Chelsea in 2011, Ancelotti has worked his way around Europe and went on to win the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy with Real Madrid in the 2013/14 season. Jose Mourinho did spend a second stint with Chelsea even after falling out with the owner the first time. So maybe Abramovich will be open to a reunion with the former Galactico boss.
Rafael Benitez
Another former Chelsea manager who is currently managing Newcastle United and is already is bad terms with the Magpies owners over a lack of financial backing might be a good bet for the Chelsea top job. The Spaniard has a world of experience when it comes to managing a club in top-flight football and might be the right man to lead the west London club out of their troubled situation.
