Chelsea’s long-shot next XI’s: Laurent Blanc, Eddie Howe and Luis Enrique
Before Maurizio Sarri was appointed Chelsea manager, a few others were linked to the job. With the job likely to open up again, here’s how the Blues would fare under those rumored last season.
It’s now anybody’s guess as to who will be the next manager at Chelsea. With Maurizio Sarri exit rumors getting louder by the day, there is still no further word on who will replace the Italian.
It’s not out of the question to assume Laurent Blanc, Eddie Howe and Luis Enrique are still being considered. Each one of those men was linked to the Blues last season, but Sarri won the job. Is it possible Chelsea looks in their directions again? If so, here’s how Chelsea would fare under each.
1. Laurent Blanc: Very familiar 4-3-3
On paper, Laurent Blanc seems like the perfect managerial candidate for Chelsea during a two-window transfer ban. As the Blues aren’t able to plug holes with players from the transfer market, they need to hire a manager with experience integrating youth into the starting XI. Blanc is that type of manager. He gave players like Adrian Rabiot and Kingsley Coman chances while at Paris Saint-Germain.
However, there are also many red flags on Blanc’s resume. Even though Blanc won 11 domestic trophies in Paris, his style of play is rather easy to defend against. It was just as bland as Chelsea’s was under Maurizio Sarri this season. Blanc’s possession-based, methodical style of play doesn’t translate well to the Premier League. Plus, he’s been away from football for three years.
If Chelsea are looking to make a like-for-like swap for Sarri, Blanc is the poor man’s equivalent. But, after some unconvincing results last season and a divide between Chelsea and the fans under Sarri, it’s difficult to see the club bringing in someone like Blanc. If they did, however, the Blues would line up in a 4-3-3.
Kepa Arrizabalaga would obviously start in goal. However, there are many options in defense. David Luiz and Andreas Christensen are ideal for Blanc’s style.
Luiz, in addition to being a phenomenal on-ball player, played under Blanc at PSG from 2014-16. His passing abilities are almost unprecedented for a defender, which is integral to a possession-based style. Christensen’s ability to put a pass on the mark is well above his age and position. Out wide in defense would be Emerson and Cesar Azpilicueta.
In midfield, Jorginho of course would be included for his distribution and ability to pick out the correct pass to start an attack start. Alongside him would be N’Golo Kante because it’s impossible to leave the world’s best defensive midfielder out of the XI.
Rounding out the midfield would be Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Loftus-Cheek was so good last season, it’s nearly impossible to overlook him for the midfield. He’s one of England’s best young attacking midfielders and possesses important qualities for Blanc’s midfield, including strength and scoring ability.
Up top, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic would occupy the wings. Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic are two of the most intriguing young wingers in world football. With Chelsea under a transfer ban, the two youngsters have a chance to flourish under Blanc.
Olivier Giroud’s strength with his back to goal, holding possession, is vital in Blanc’s system. As the Blues’ most clinical finisher, he would certainly start at striker.