Top 5 managers to replace Benitez at Chelsea

With defeat to Swansea in the League cup semi-finals, it looks increasingly difficult for Chelsea to manage a trophy this season. And with Rafa Benitez being blamed for everything that’s going wrong at Chelsea, it only looks like a matter of time before he will be replaced. Here is a list of the top 5 managerial candidates who could most likely replace the interim manager as the permanent manager of Chelsea this summer.

5. Michael Laudrup (Swansea)

The man whose team knocked out Chelsea in the league cup is fast becoming one of the most wanted managers in European football. Having helped Swansea to an impressive 9th position in the league and guiding them to the league cup finals, Laudrup’s team has won many admirers for the style of football they play. With Abramovich looking to transform his Chelsea into a free flowing and attractive team, Laudrup might just be the right option for Chelsea.

4. David Moyes (Everton)

An exemplary manager without a doubt, David Moyes has been one of the main reasons for Everton’s stability in the Premier League. A manager who knows how to get the best out of the resources he has, Moyes has performed admirably for the past 10 seasons. Having proven he can go toe to toe with the big boys in the Premier League, Moyes will be looking to prove his worth at a big club like Chelsea if given the job.

3. Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid)

Another manager who has had a great season this year, Simeone has been heavily linked with joining Chelsea this summer. After masterminding a demolition of Chelsea at the hands of his team in the European Super Cup final, Simeone has seen his stock rise meteorically in the last 6 months. According to The Mirror, Abramovich is keen to appoint the Atletico Madrid coach after watching him maintain a sustained title challenge in La Liga with the Rojiblancos. The Russian is also a keen admirer of Atleti striker Radamel Falcao and a move for Simeone could tempt the Colombian to leave Vicente Calderon for Stamford Bridge.

2. Guus Hiddink (FC Anzhi Makhachkala)

A name which is always linked to the managerial post in Chelsea, Guus Hiddink is one of the sharpest minds in the game. One of the elite few to enjoy a concrete relationship with Abramovich, Hiddink has already enjoyed a successful stint at Chelsea for a short while. Having an exemplary record as a manager, Hiddink is surely capable of taking over Chelsea. More than anything else, it will surely be harder for Abramovich to sack a friend.

1. Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid)

Without doubt one of the most successful managers ever, ‘The Special One’ has always had a special place for Chelsea. Having spent most time as a manager at Chelsea than any other club, Mourinho guided them to almost all the trophies available except the big one, the Champions League. With rumours of differences being settled between Mourinho and Abramovich, the appointment of the ex-Chelsea manager will without doubt please the fans. Mourinho himself might be looking to guide Chelsea to another Champions League triumph and seal his own place in the history books as truly being The Special One.

Honourable Mentions: Joachim Loew (Germany), Frank Rijkaard (Unattached), Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund)