Chelsea currently has former NYCFC midfielder, Frank Lampard, in charge as caretaker manager but it could be ex-DC United player Marcelo Gallardo who takes on the role at the end of the season.
Marcelo Gallardo played for DC United in 2008-09 and scored four goals in 16 MLS games. However, he is best known for his time both as a player and manager at River Plate. The former Argentina international also represented Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.
According to UOL “information gathered in the Argentine capital indicates that he (Gallardo) is indeed close to taking over Chelsea.
“Enzo (Fernandez) has obviously already given the go-ahead for Gallardo, who he considers practically like a father, to step in for interim Frank Lampard once the season is over.”
Would Marcelo Gallardo be a good fit for Chelsea?
Gallardo was very successful as the coach of River Plate. With the Argentine side, he won the Copa Libertadores (South America’s version of the Champions League) twice. He was at Los Millonarios for eight years as a manager and was often linked with a move to a European club.
Now that his time is up in Argentina, a move to Europe would be the next step in his managerial career. Although, he has no experience as a manager in the continent. Chelsea’s last manager, Graham Potter, was unproven at the highest level and only lasted six months. It would be a risk for the Blues to appoint someone else who is also unproven at the top level of European soccer.
Gallardo is credited with making Enzo the player he is. Enzo has impressed since arriving at Stamford Bridge in January. He played 53 times for Gallardo at River, scoring 12 goals and making ten assists.
Potter was thought to be a long-term option for Chelsea but this did not come to pass. Gallardo showed longevity whilst at River so if he is given time, he could be a success in the Premier League.
Who else is in contention?
Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are both also thought to be in the running for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. They have both experience coaching in Europe so might be safer options for the Chelsea hierarchy.
Nagelsmann was surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich recently, despite him having a win percentage of 71 percent. The German coach will be in high demand and has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
Enrique most recently managed Spain but has won the Champions League and two La Liga’s with Barcelona. He is keen to coach in the Premier League.
When up against Nagelsmann and Enrique, Gallardo does seem like a left-field choice. It is an appointment that the Chelsea owner Todd Boehly cannot afford to get wrong as in his first season in charge he has already had three managers in Thomas Tuchel, Potter and now Lampard.
Chelsea face Real Madrid in the Champions League today. Winning the tournament is the club’s only hope of qualifying for it next season.
