Chelsea – 5 Possible Replacements For Andre Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas has come under huge pressure at Stamford Bridge in recent days. Two home losses in a row for the first time in nine years, and a very complicated situation in the Champions League group mean his days may be numbered at Chelsea with owner Roman Abramovich not afraid to sack his manager when things are not going well . With the vacancy beckoning, here is a list of five possible replacements.

5. Rafa Benitez

Altough he didn’t do well in his last job at Inter, but Rafa is still a world class manager. He is currently jobless, and would jump at the opportunity to return to managment at a strong club like Chelsea. If anyone would benefit from this appointment, it is Fernando Torres, as Rafa knows how to get the best out of him.

4. Martin O’Neill

Jobless after resigning from Aston Villa in the summer of 2010. Did well in every club he was managing. Altough many don’t like his playing style, and some players don’t like him man-managment, he is a real wondermaker. The proof of that is the situation Aston Villa were in when he left. Considering his qualities, he definitely deserves to get a chance at the top. The only problem is, would he get along with Abramovic?

3. Frank Rijkaard

Another jobless manager. Did a fantastic job at Barcelona, but failed at Galatasaray. He would probably relish the chance to work at one of England’s top clubs. His playing style would probably require some changes in the Chelsea team, but he is a manager capable of rebuilding the existing Chelsea squad.

2. Manuel Pellegrini

Well, surprise surprise! I guess nobody expected Pellegrini to even be on the list, especially not on second place. Altough Chelsea fans would probably want a more sounding name, the truth is Pellegrini is probably a better manager than any of the three before him. He turned Villareal from a mediocre team to top four contestants, but was later harshly sacked by Real Madrid. Altough some might say he was a failure at Real, the statistics prove that he did better in the league than Mourinho did last season. 

Currently at high-flying Malaga, but would probably accept an offer from Chelsea. He was linked with the vacant Liverpool post in 2010, and the Chelsea post in 2011.

1. Guus Hiddink

Well, it´s no surprise that Hiddink is on the first place on the list. Currently unemployed after leaving his post as Turkey boss, the formar Chelsea manager is the fans and bookies favourite to return to Chelsea. He did well in his first spell at Stamford Bridge, but could he deliver the same magic again?

Just a note: this article is my personal opinion, and not the real situation. Who knows, maybe Chelsea won’t sack Villas-Boas, or maybe they will appoint Roy Hodgson to “steady the ship”? Only time will tell.