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3 potential replacements for Antonio Conte at Chelsea

By Matthew Ciavarella

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Antonio Conte of Chelsea gives out instructions to his players during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Antonio Conte of Chelsea gives out instructions to his players during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Conte’s days at Chelsea seem to be numbered after a poor 2017-18 season. Here are three managers who could replace him. 

Chelsea missed out on the Champions League for the second time in four years in 2017-18, and only a year removed from a dominant run to the Premier League title. Antonio Conte has been frustrated all season, and it seems increasingly like only a matter of time before he leaves the club.

If Conte does go, his replacement will have a difficult job on his hands. The Blues’ squad is decent, but they lack depth and there are big questions looming over key areas. Alvaro Morata and Tiemoue Bakayoko both struggled in their first seasons, while Eden Hazard may be on his way out. Here are three managers who could replace Conte and begin turning things around.

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 21: Coach of PSG Laurent Blanc looks on during the French Cup Final match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Stade de France on May 21, 2016 in Saint-Denis nearby Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 21: Coach of PSG Laurent Blanc looks on during the French Cup Final match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Stade de France on May 21, 2016 in Saint-Denis nearby Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

3. Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc is best remembered for failing to win the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain. Then again, the list of managers who have failed that test is long and highly accomplished. His work with Bordeaux suggests he has more to give as a manager, and Chelsea would be an interesting fit.

Blanc prefers a possession-oriented game, holding the ball as a form of defense. That would mark a change from Conte, who was happy to let his team absorb pressure and hit the opposition on the break. It might also require a few new signings. With the exception of Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea’s midfield options aren’t at their best dictating tempo.

One thing that Chelsea fans will love about Blanc is his willingness to promote youth players to the first team. Conte gave significant minutes to Andreas Christensen this season, but Chelsea still have a small army of players on loan around Europe. Blanc may finally be willing to give some of those academy graduates an opportunity.

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