Former Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is expected to take over the reigns as the Chelsea head coach, replacing Antonio Conte, who will likely be sacked within the next few days, reports claim.
The Premier League giants have struggled a lot this season under Antonio Conte, failing to defend their league title whilst also failing to secure Champions League qualification for next season. Chelsea finished the season in a hugely disappointing fifth position in the final league table under Antonio Conte, who, despite guiding his team to a league triumph in his debut season, has failed miserably in the English top flight this time around.
With the Italian mastermind almost destined to depart the Stamford Bridge in the summer, former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been labelled as his likely replacement at Chelsea.
The Spaniard, who famously led Barcelona to a treble in his very first season at the club, is highly rated as one of the most talented managers in Europe at the moment. After leaving Barcelona at the end of last season, the 48-year-old has been highly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.
One of many reasons behind Chelsea’s demise this season has been their inconsistency and lack of morale within their ranks. With head coach Antonio Conte often having regular fallouts with the key members of the team, including David Luiz and earlier, Diego Costa, the London giants have been decimated in that regard.
Luis Enrique, therefore, could prove to be an excellent alternative for the impulsive Italian. Known for his calm and composed attitude, the 48-year-old is proficient when it comes to organizing a team. During his time with FC Barcelona, the Spaniard needed only a season to properly organize and reinvigorate the out of sorts Barca midfield, largely thanks to his impressive tactical nous.
This, in particular, could be helpful for Chelsea, who have somewhat lacked an identity in recent months. In addition, Enrique favoured ‘Juego de posicion‘ style of play, which basically focuses on playing with possession, is far more suited to most of the Chelsea players, unlike Antonio Conte’s highly aggressive and intensive off the ball movements.
Overall, Luis Enrique could be an ideal replacement for Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge. Also, the fact that Chelsea will miss out on the Champions League, will definitely make it easier for the Spaniard to usher his philosophy in the club, without having to worry about the team’s performances on the biggest stage in Europe. It will be interesting to see how Chelsea fare under the guidance of this highly talented manager, who is more than capable of making a huge impact in the Premier League.
