Top candidates in the frame to become next Chelsea boss

Chelsea remain winless following Frank Lampard's return to the dugout and the caretaker boss is facing a potential exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid tonight.

Back-to-back Premier League defeats to Wolves and Brighton suggest the club legend is unlikely to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.

Ahead of the crucial second leg of their quarter-final with Real, which the Blues go into 2-0 down, we take a look at the candidates in the frame to take charge this summer. 

Julian Nagelsmann 

Axed Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann remains one of the favourites to become the next Chelsea boss and reports suggest talks have already taken place.

After making his name at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, the 35-year-old German went on to win the Bundesliga with the Bavarian giants in 2021-22 and was still fighting for three major trophies before being sacked last month.

His aggressive style of play would be welcomed at the Bridge but there is some concern over Nagelsmann's experience at the top level.

He remains one of the youngest coaches in Europe's top five leagues and would be expected to deliver instant success under Todd Boehly's regime.

Luis Enrique

Another top candidate for the hot seat is former Spain and Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique.

The seasoned Spaniard, 52, has been out of a job since leaving his role with the national team after they crashed out of the World Cup in Qatar last year.

His tiki-taka style of play would see his side look to dominate possession and he would garner immediate respect thanks to his tally of seven major trophies at Barca.

Jose Mourinho 

Jose Mourinho is said to be open to a sensational return to Chelsea for a third spell in the dugout. 

The Roma boss, 60, is revered for his success across multiple clubs and he won the Premier League in both of his previous two stints in charge of the Blues.

Sentimental reasons may be the driving factor behind the idea of Mourinho's return but his winning record and relationship with the fans would tick all the right boxes. 

Marcelo Gallardo

Marcelo Gallardo would be a surprising appointment but he boasts an impressive CV.

He spent eight years in charge of River Plate and won a hatful of major honours in Argentina, including a league title and two Copa Libertadores crowns.

Similar to Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, the 47-year-old Argentine favours possession-based football and is willing to be patient with build-up play.

Gallardo has never managed outside of South America but could be a risk worth taking.

Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily touted for the vacancy at Tottenham but could yet be in line to become the next Chelsea manager.

The ex-Spurs boss, 51, has been without job since he was relieved of his duties by Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

He could now be set to return to the Premier League to work with one of the most expensive squads in Europe.