Chelsea add shock name to managerial wish list with Massimiliano Allegri and Frank Lampard - 7M sport

Chelsea add shock name to managerial wish list with Massimiliano Allegri and Frank Lampard

CHELSEA are poised to rubber stamp the departure of Maurizio Sarri before starting work on a three-man shortlist - including former coach Steve Holland - to replace him at Stamford Bridge.


Posted Monday, June 10, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Blues director Marina Granovskaia held a meeting in Monte Carlo with Sarri's representatives on Saturday night to thrash out the terms of his exit after only one season.

Granovskaia, who runs the club for Roman Abramovich, wanted £5million compensation to clear the way for Sarri to join Juventus where he has agreed a three-year deal.

Juventus don't want to pay but would be prepared to pay a higher fee for transfer target Emerson Palmieri if the Blues wave Sarri's compensation clause.

Chelsea will start their search for their 13th new manager since Abramovich bought the club from Ken Bates 16 years ago.

Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is their first choice after winning five successive Serie A titles, which included the Coppa Italia double four times.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is in the frame but only has a year's management experience with Championship side Derby County.

And despite leading them to a play-off final defeat to Aston Villa some of those with the ear of Abramovich feel that it might be a year too soon for him.

While Gareth Southgate's number two Holland, who spent almost a decade at the club as reserve team and assistant manager before joining the FA full time two years ago, is a shock candidate.

Chelsea add shock name to managerial wish list with Massimiliano Allegri and Frank Lampard
Chelsea add shock name to managerial wish list with Massimiliano Allegri and Frank Lampard

Sarri's time at Chelsea began to sour following a couple of heavy defeats in January and February earlier this season.

The Blues lost to Bournemouth 4-0 down on the south coast in the Premier League, before being trounced away at Manchester City 6-0 in a dismal performance.

Chelsea were then knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and then lost in the Carabao Cup final to City.

But Sarri steered Chelsea towards an impressive end of the season which saw them draw away to United at Old Trafford, essentially sealing a top four place, weeks after picking up three points against Tottenham in the league.

They eventually finished third thanks to the flailing results of those around them, albeit 25 points behind Premier League runners-up Liverpool and 26 adrift of champions City.

Sarri then capped off his time in west London by winning his first ever major trophy as a manager, beating Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final.

It's thought that the Italian is keen on moving back to Italy, however, and is now close to securing a move to Juventus - a decision that Chelsea midfielder Jorginho thinks Napoli supporters might consider to be a 'betrayal'.

Sarri spent three years in Naples, turning the club into one of the most eye-catching teams in world football, despite failing to win any silverware.



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