Chelsea, release clauses, and the managerial bottom of the barrel

Chelsea are likely on the eve of sacking Antonio Conte. But as other clubs make their moves, Chelsea have to give way to the whims of others.

Arsenal appear to have performed a sort of “bait and switch” with their managerial appointment. After tricking the world into believing Mikel Arteta was on the way, they suddenly switched tactics and have all but confirmed Unai Emery.

Emery is the safe, yet creative option. Arteta would have been the romantics option but it would have been a massive risk. Even if Emery is only around for a couple of seasons, he will be able to do well at Arsenal.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are still stuck looking in three different ways. The Blues want an experienced veteran, but do not want to pay Luis Enrique’s wages. They want the next visionary, but have yet to trigger Maurizio Sarri’s release clause. And just in case all of the above falls through, they are willing to bet it all on Slavisa Jokanovic.

It is understandable why Chelsea would balk at Enrique’s high wages. After all, there is probably a nine in ten chance that he will be sacked in two seasons and Chelsea will have to go through this whole situation again. Sacking Antonio Conte and all his staff will already cost an arm and leg so it is clear why the club are less than enthused about shelling out even more.

Then there is Sarri who burst into the forefront of everyone’s minds this season. No one was talking about Sarri’s Napoli before Pep Guardiola heaped praise on him and now he is the talk of the town. He is a controversial figure which is likely giving Chelsea pause, though his empty trophy cabinet likely causes most of the hesitation.

But where there is one clubs hesitation, there is another’s opportunity. Enter Zenit Saint Petersburg who are also looking at Sarri. Zenit have the money to trigger the clause before it expires, and if it comes down to it, Sarri might just go wherever there is a club willing to give him a chance.

Chelsea, for their part, have at least created option three: the safety pick. “Safety” as in they will not turn Chelsea down because in reality it would be the riskiest move. Slavisa Jokanovic has entered the frame recently and would not say no to managing his former club.

Jokanovic has bounced around several clubs before finally finding his feet at rivals Fulham. On the verge of promotion, he will be a hero there and his stock set to rise if they can continue the same entertaining style. But that is a lot of ifs and Chelsea are in no way in a position to take that sort of risk.

Arsenal were not either, hence why they turned from Arteta. It is romantic to hire the young, exciting manager with ties to the club. But that does not mean that they will lead to results. And with both Arsenal and Chelsea sinking into the Europa League slog, they will need something more to ensure survival.

Next: Chelsea should follow the 30/30 rule and pass on Robert Lewandowski

But it all comes down to Chelsea falling behind in the race. As they wait for the right chip to fall, they lose all of the good ones. And if Chelsea do not act soon, they will have to make amends with Antonio Conte or take a massive risk at this critical juncture in club history.

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