Chelsea are aiming for ANOTHER managerial comeback with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in the race for a permanent role this summer… just one day after Frank Lampard made a sensational return to the club as caretaker manager
- Lampard was appointed caretaker manager until the end of the season
- Chelsea will play Ancelotti’s Real Madrid next week in the Champions League
- Ancelotti could make a shock return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season
Chelsea are targeting another shock managerial return for one of their former bosses as Carlo Ancelotti is the latest name associated with the permanent job at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard was appointed caretaker manager of Chelsea, returning to the club after being sacked by the previous owner in 2021, and has the role until the end of the season as the search for a long-term successor takes place.
Ancelotti, who led Chelsea to a famous Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010, could leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and be considered for the role to replace Graham Potter full-time, according to ESPN.
Sources told ESPN that Chelsea’s owners will consider as many as seven candidates for the role over the summer.
These include front-runners Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino also in the picture.
Frank Lampard returned to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season
Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly in consideration for the summer regular role
Chelsea are determined to maintain the model of a coach working with a technical director.
Ancelotti’s uncertain future at Real Madrid has also led him to consider a return to Chelsea more than 10 years after his departure.
ESPN was told Ancelotti has accepted he is under pressure at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos 12 points behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga despite knocking them out of the Copa del Rey.
If he fails to deliver the Champions League trophy in successive seasons, the Italian could lose his job, despite last season’s success.
Chelsea could help their pursuit of Ancelotti if they want to knock their beloved ‘King Carlo’ out of the game when the Blues face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals next week.
Mourinho and Conte have both been linked with a return to Chelsea
Despite a brief spell at Everton, Ancelotti has reestablished his reputation as one of the greatest managers in world football during his time at Real Madrid and sources have told ESPN he will be considered.
It is believed that Chelsea are ‘determined to maintain the model of a coach working alongside a technical director’, and as this is a structure Ancelotti has worked in throughout his coaching career, he would be an ideal candidate.
The former Blues boss previously worked closely with Paul Clement, who returned to Chelsea as part of Lampard’s coaching staff, who could set up a reunion if Ancelotti returns.
In addition, Ancelotti’s willingness to work with younger coaches such as Clement and Zinedine Zidane could see a similar set-up at Chelsea, it is believed.
This news comes after both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, with the new owner already showing their willingness to work with previous managers following Lampard’s appointment.
Conte is believed to be in talks for the role and is being considered due to his winner’s mentality, while Mourinho is open to a third spell at Stamford Bridge.