Maurizio Sarri’s future at Chelsea continues to hang by a thread following the shambolic 6-0 humbling at the hands of Manchester City.
As a result Chelsea slipped down to sixth in the Premier League - a couple of months ago they were 11 points ahead of Man Utd - although the club does - currently - remain in three cup competitions, including the Europa League.
But, a poor performance against Malmo FF in Sweden tomorrow night could well spell the end for the under-fire Sarri, who is the odds-on favourite to become the fifth top-flight gaffer to lose his job this term.
The likes of Derby boss and Blues legend Frank Lampard, Sarri’s assistant Gianfranco Zola, and former interim manager Guus Hiddink have all been linked with the top job in the last few days, however Chelsea want Zinedine Zidane as their next manager, according to The Sun.
Zidane, the only manager to ever win three consecutive Champions League trophies, has been on a sabbatical since his surprise departure from Real Madrid back in May.
It was previously suggested that the Frenchman could become the next Man Utd manager, a mega money offer from Qatar had also been muted, while Niko Kovac has come under pressure at points in his debut campaign at German giants Bayern Munich.
Zidane, who has been cut from a 14/1 outsider to 7/4 favourite to venture off to Chelsea, is reported to be “very keen on the job” according to the aforementioned publication, although his agent has previously claimed his client does not fancy a mid-season job.
An appointment could well boost the prospects of Chelsea keeping hold of their star man Eden Hazard who recently teased that he’d already made a decision on his future. The Belgian idolosises Zidane and his arrival in West London could be pivotal, as noted by @GoldenHiguain and @RafaOrtegaS and @zoawasgod respectively:
If Zidane comes in to replace Sarri, it could possibly stop Hazard going to Real Madrid? And Zidane is his idol #CFC #WouldYouSayYes?
If that guarantees Hazard at Chelsea, bring it on, if not let Sarri stay.
A number of other Blues fans reacted favourably to the latest Zidane reports…
Wow... I'm a Zidane fan since I was a kid! If they pull that off that will be amazing. (@suneyd_jerry)
Yes, #ZidaneIsBlue (@LuisJorge077)
Get it done by all means (@_Bozzman)
I don’t see how a man like Zidane(sane) would wanna work with a board so incompetent! But nevertheless I would absolutely love that to bits (@faysalayoubil)
I guess it's worth backing a specialist with trophies than taking the risk with a manager with 1 tactic and 0 trophies. Chelsea backed Jose when he returned and it paid off. CFC thought Sarri would do a miracle in the EPL but it didn't work. (@forzaablues)
I think he’s more ambitious than that. Would be a huge statement from them about future plans if they get him. (@SunDeanScoggins)
However, other supporters weren’t so sure….
Noooooo! Change the player, the board. not the manager. (@hrzlkapli_)
it took Sarri 3 years to shape Napoli the way he wanted-if Chelsea don't give him time to do it his way, then why hire him in the first place? (@martinogilvy)
We need an overhaul of our players and the coach shouldn't be Zidane please, give us Pochettino or Wolves coach, or a coach who isn't rigid, but fluid and willing to stamp his authority and make the players obey him without fear of being sacked (@enyekung)
Will be another flop. Major games in Real were pulled through by Ronaldo. Thats why when Ronaldo had gone to Juve Zidane left the club cause he knew without a player like Ronaldo it would be difficult. (@lumpenoid)
