Marcelo Gallardo is reportedly close to taking the Chelsea job and replacing Graham Potter during the summer.
According to UOL, Marcelo Gallardo has emerged as a surprise candidate for the Chelsea job and gets closer to taking up the role. The Brazilian media have pointed out several factors but do not mention why Chelsea are keen on the former Nacional and River Plate manager.
There’s a sense of calm after the storm at Stamford Bridge in the past few days after a flurry of names were linked with the vacant managerial position. Chelsea decided to part ways with Graham Potter despite only appointing him when the season had already begun.
The new owners felt that Potter was not the right choice despite spending significantly to acquire the former Brighton man. Since his departure, too many names saw their names mentioned for the vacant post, including some improbable ones like former boss Antonio Conte, who only left Tottenham a few weeks ago.
Others like Luis Enrique have recently met Chelsea people, but the club still hasn’t decided on the right man. Meanwhile, they appointed Frank Lampard as caretaker boss until the season ends, with the idea of finding balance in this chaotic squad.
Marcelo Gallardo was the latest name linked with the position, with the 47-year-old carrying an impressive reputation among European corridors. A few clubs were keen on the former Nacional and River Plate boss, but he has not found a way to the continent.
Gallardo remains keen to make a mark in another continent and is eager to sign with one of the big clubs. The 47-year-old manager could take up the position at Chelsea if they offer him the role. From the Blues’ perspective, there’s not much chatter about Gallardo, but those links could have some substance.
The question is whether Chelsea seriously considers Gallardo over other European managers with more pedigree. Yet, recently, the club has experimented a lot with their playing staff and even managers for anyone to rule out a move completely.
For now, Gallardo remains part of a long list of candidates, which includes some of the more prominent names. In hindsight, Chelsea must make do with a more established option than playing their cards rather wildly on a 47-year-old without experience outside of South America.
