Chelsea: Zidane appointment could be key to retaining Hazard
Zidane has reportedly emerged as a favourite for Roman Abramavich to replace Maurizio Sarri, an appointment which could prompt Eden Hazard to reconsider his mooted Real Madrid move.
Chelsea’s poor run of results, the most recent of which was the resounding 6-0 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, has undoubtedly been of major concern to owner Roman Abramovich, who is reportedly considering possible replacements for under-fire coach Maurizio Sarri.
The Blues have now lost three of their last four league games. Before the trouncing by City last weekend came the embarrassing 4-0 loss to 11th-placed Bournemouth on 30 January and the disappointing 2-0 defeat to top four rivals Arsenal on 19 January. Sarri’s side host Malmo in the Europa league on Thursday, ahead of the FA Cup home tie with Manchester United on Monday, with the Italian coach’s job firmly on the line.
Sarri was brought in last summer after Chelsea failed to secure qualification for the Champions League this season. The former Napoli boss had enjoyed a decent start to the campaign, positioning Chelsea firmly in the top four. But the Blues’ recent dip in form has seen them lose their fourth spot to the resurgent Manchester United under interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And the prospect of failure to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive season has prompted Abramovich to start the search for a new coach.
Chelsea offer could come as timely one for Zidane
In recent days, the British press had linked Diego Simeone and Frank Lampard with the role. But now reports are claiming that Zinedine Zidane has emerged as the Russian billionaire’s favourite to replace Sarri if the Italian coach does not manage to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.
Zidane has been without a job since his shocking resignation from Real Madrid last May, and is understood to be eager to make a return to management once the right offer arises.
The ex-Madrid boss had been heavily linked with Manchester United, who are yet to name their permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho. But interim coach Solskjaer has emerged as the firm favourite to land the role. And so an offer from Stamford Bridge could come as a timely and tempting one for Zidane.
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Another motivation for Abramovich to bring in the Frenchman could involve Eden Hazard, who has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Real Madrid.
Zidane has been an idol of Hazard since childhood and the pair are understood to have a good relationship. As such, the possible arrival of the French coach at Stamford Bridge could prompt the Belgian midfielder to reconsider his mooted move to the Spanish capital.