Maurizio Sarri remains in the Chelsea dugout, just about, but this hasn’t prevented speculation surrounding the manager who could replace the Italian should he be axed.
The Blues have reportedly identified Frank Lampard and Zinedine Zidane as potential targets, while assistant manager Gianfranco Zola is being considered, as reported by Sky Sports News.
However, a selection of Chelsea fans have put forward a surprise name.
Step forward Steve Holland.
Holland has previously worked under some of the most high-profile managers in a game during his time at Chelsea, while he’s currently assistant to Gareth Southgate at England; playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of The Three Lions over the last couple of years, which includes that superb run to the semi-finals of the World Cup, and the upcoming Nations League Finals in June.
Holland, who began his coaching career at the age of just 22, spent a whopping 22 years at Crewe, working as a coach, Academy Director, and he even had a spell as manager, before moving over to Chelsea as the reserve team gaffer in August 2009.
At Chelsea he led his troops to Premier Reserve League glory, playing a key role in the development of young players. He was then upgraded to assistant first team coach under Andre Villas Boas, and would go on to hold the assistant manager position under Roberto Di Matteo - helping the Blues win the Champions League and FA Cup - then, Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho when he returned for a second spell, Guus Hiddink, and Antonio Conte.
Holland has been working under Southgate at the England senior team since 2016, a position he originally juggled with his role at Chelsea but left the club permanently in the summer of 2017.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Holland revealed:
“In some small way, you personally have been part of this team that has been able to provide this happiness for people. And without being too cheesy, that moment is frankly bigger than winning any football match, because it is about the happiness of so many.”
Earlier this week Holland was spotted at a Chelsea youth game, which has subsequently got a pocket of fans excited, a number of whom have expressed their eagerness for the 48-year-old to return to Stamford Bridge as manager, with bookmakers cutting his odds to just 6/1 to become the man to replace Sarri.
This is concerning...Hazard, Azpilicueta & many other players were at Chelsea’s youth game yesterday. As was Steve Holland, John Terry & Petr Čech. But who wasn’t? Sarri. What’s even worse? He hasn’t gone once all season. That’s unacceptable. (@AlexGoldberg_)
JT, Cech and Steve Holland all attended Chelsea’s youth game last night. There’s definitely movement Cobham. The next two weeks are going to be interesting (@BLUE_BOLLO_CFC)
IF Sarri gets sacked, I hope we can get Steve Holland back (@mariusjorg26)
Steve Holland could be a wild card. He's been badly missed since he left (@Gary_321)
We miss Steve Holland’s influence as much as anyone @ChelseaFC if we were looking for anyone to take temporary charge until the summer he would be my choice. Done a great job with England since he left and a promoter of youth, something Sarri is scared to do to save his job. (@Neiltruechels)
True, and I just hope either Steve Holland or Jody Morris gets the Interim job. I don't want Guus Hiddink, we need someone grounded in the club. There is a reason Di Matteo performed better than Guus, because he understood the club and the players. (_@Biralee)
Best thing I’ve seen in ages. You can track Chelsea’s decline with England’s resurrection straight to Steve Holland. Right down to the players feeling together and enjoying their footballs. Take him away we rise England dives (@BloomfieldAdam)
Other supporters are keen for Holland to return in a coaching capacity, or an assistant to John Terry or Frank Lampard...
Give it to Frank. Or Steve Holland!! (@RyanDuckett1994)
If JT or Lamps return do you think the board should be bring Steve Holland to aid being the assistant. OGS brought back Mike Phelan and they are working miracles (@VelanQBAT)
I wouldn’t mind seeing steve Holland and JT take the reins over. Both know the demands, the ins and outs of the club. Brings back someone whose a born leader. What’s there not to like? (@Serinawestlee)
