What does Steve Holland’s England role mean for Chelsea?

Frank Lampard, John Terry, or Gianfranco Zola could become a Chelsea assistant manager

With Steve Holland set to leave at the end of the season, it means Chelsea will “only” have two assistant managers: Angelo Alessio and Gianluca Conte. Both are very much a part of Conte’s huge entourage he takes to every team.

Therefore, neither is associated with Chelsea the way Holland is. That means that there will likely be an opening for someone who is tied to Chelsea to become an assistant manager. Enter Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard, and John Terry.

Zola is the most likely as he is the most available currently. The Chelsea legend has tried his hand at management in England, his native Italy, and Qatar, but has never truly succeeded at any of the clubs he has managed.

He is currently without a position, and had a sudden amount of public appearances around the time Holland was first rumored to be leaving. Putting two and two together, it would make a lot of sense. Zola could provide a vital link between the Italian staff and Chelsea’s history.

Few players can boast about their number being effectively retired and John Terry admiring them. And if Zola is looking to manage again, he can do worse than getting tutelage from Antonio Conte.

Lampard and Terry are both going to be involved with Chelsea someday, but it is not clear if now is the time. Lampard’s career at New York City FC will end after they declined to extend his contract. His next destination is unknown, but he has yet to announce his retirement like Steven Gerrard, who was in a virtually identical situation at LA Galaxy.

As for Terry, his career at Chelsea is almost certain to finish at the end of the season. Whether he retires to join the staff or goes on to China or the MLS to continue playing remains to be seen.