Chelsea open talks with two managerial candidates as Carlo Ancelotti decision made

Chelsea have begun their search for a new head coach after making contact with two potential candidates following the departure of Graham Potter.

The hierarchy have wasted no time in searching for the 47-year-old’s successor having parted company with Potter on Sunday after less than seven months in charge of Chelsea.

Several names had been linked early on but it has now been revealed by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph that Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, both of whom are currently out of work, have been approached by Chelsea over the Stamford Bridge vacancy.

The pair are at the top of Chelsea’s list to replace Potter, but other names are being considered and it’s claimed contact with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Oliver Glasner, Luciano Spalletti and Ruben Amorim will be made in the next 48 hours.

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is not being considered, while Amorim has stated he wants to remain in Portugal, telling reporters: “I’ve seen many managers move to other leagues and they weren’t happier. This is an important factor. I’m not looking for anything, I value what I have. I’ve had contacts with other clubs, Sporting knows that, but I want to stay.

“If I have to leave, it will happen naturally. I won’t be the one to open the door, Sporting deserves respect. If I have to go, I’ll go. I want to fulfill my contract, I have very clear goals for what I want to do. Anyone who wants me will have to pay the (release) clause.”

Between five and seven names are being considered by the Chelsea hierarchy, with sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley leading the search after recommending the decision to fire Potter to co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali over the weekend.

Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who currently manages Real Madrid but has been linked with the Brazil national team job, has been mentioned, as per Matt Law, however it remains unclear if he is in the running for a potential return to the English capital.

Chelsea have refused to outline a timescale to bring in their next permanent manager, with Bruno Saltor currently in charge of the Blues on an interim basis and will oversee the side on Tuesday night for their Premier League clash against Liverpool.

“It’s really important to focus just day by day, how much we can effect everyday, what we can control,” responded Bruno, when asked about focus on each day at a time.

“What we can control is how we train today, how we play tomorrow and after we say how it goes.”

Chelsea have been claimed to ideally want a manager in place for their quarter-final clash against Real Madrid next week in the Champions League.

However, Matt Law states that the club feel the players will motivate themselves for the last-eight meeting regardless of who is in charge.