Premier League giants Chelsea could once again be in for a massive squad overhaul next season!
Only this time, however, the Blues are also expected to sack head coach Antonio Conte, following a series of disappointing performances in both domestic and European competitions this season.
And while the Premier League defending champions have already drawn up a list of potential coaches, who can replace the Italian mastermind, reports claim that Chelsea have recently launched an enquiry regarding the services of Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim.
Highly regarded as one of the hottest managerial prospects in Europe at the moment, Leonardo Jardim’s stunning leadership has led to the impressive rejuvenation of AS Monaco in the past few seasons.
After guiding the Red and Whites to an incredible title-winning campaign last season, getting the better of footballing giants PSG, in the process, Jardim’s influence is still evident on this Monaco team, despite a mass exodus last summer, where the French champions had to deal with the departures of Benjamin Mendy, Kylian Mbappe as well as Bernardo Silva.
The 43-year-old has been in charge of Monaco since 2014. During his stint at Monaco, the Portuguese has acquired an impressive points per game ratio of 1.93. Last season, however, was arguably the best season for Leonardo Jardim, as he recorded a stunning tally of 2.3 points per game ratio.
On the other hand, Chelsea, who will be desperate to get back among the European elites, following a disappointing season, would be a perfect destination for the 43-year-old. Although Jardim’s rather direct-football philosophy might take time to bear fruit, it will definitely make Chelsea a much more attractive proposition.
One of the things that will definitely swing things into Jardim’s favour is the fact that Chelsea are almost destined to miss out on Champions League football next season, which will give the Portuguese ample time to stamp his principle into this new set of players.
According to rumours, however, Chelsea have identified Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri as their desired replacement for Antonio Conte but he is expected to be a very difficult target to land, given Chelsea’s potential European absence. And hence, making a move for Leonardo Jardim seems like a more logical decision for the English giants, considering the fact that the French outfit could once again face another mass exodus in the upcoming transfer window, which will surely force Jardim to look for pastures new.
The 43-year-old has already shown tremendous promise during his tenure at Monaco and he definitely has the ability to replicate that performance with Chelsea in the coming years.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored