Who could replace Antonio Conte? Four potential candidates to become the Chelsea manager

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  • Antonio Conte is on the cusp of being dismissed by Chelsea following his side’s 4-1 thrashing to Watford on Monday.

    The Italian’s future had been under the microscope following a period of lacklustre form – which includes three wins, four draws and three losses since the turn of the year.

    Here, we take a look at four replacements should Conte leave Stamford Bridge with the Blues way off the pace in 4th spot.

    LUIS ENRIQUE
    AGE:
     47

    NATIONALITY: Spanish

    The front-runner for the Chelsea job.

    The former Barcelona boss has been out of work since taking a sabbatical from the game after leaving the Camp Nou last May.

    The Spaniard departed the club after three years, which included one Champions League title as well as two La Liga and Copa del Rey doubles.

    If a new manager was required before the season’s end it is doubtful that Enrique would take the job, however, a summer approach could be possible.

    Luis Enrique: Out of work and looking for a new challenge.

    GUUS HIDDINK
    AGE:
     71
    NATIONALITY: Dutch

    The Dutchman has enjoyed two interim spells in charge at the club and would be the ideal option if Conte is sacked mid-season.

    Hiddink first stepped in during the 2008/2009 season after Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked – winning the FA Cup, before returning to the club in 2015 following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.

    At 71, Hiddink has buckets of experience in management and is clearly a trusted figure for club owner Roman Abramovich.

    A return to Stamford Bridge is surely the perfect short-term fix, before hierarchy at the west London club bid for a marquee boss during the summer.

    Guus Hiddink has twice been in the Chelsea hotseat previously.

    MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
    AGE:
     50
    NATIONALITY: Italian

    One of the favourites to become the next Chelsea manager on the back of a recent report in Corriere dello Sport which suggested the club have already agreed a deal in principle for his services.

    The 50-year-old did well to sustain Conte’s success at Juventus – securing three Serie A titles and reaching two Champions League finals.

    A new challenge surely awaits Allegri after a trophy-laden stint in Torino, but could it be as Italy’s national manager rather than in the Premier League.

    Allegri is being linked with the job.

    EDDIE HOWE
    AGE:
     40
    NATIONALITY: English

    Football has been waiting for the Cherries boss to rise up the managerial ladder, and perhaps this could be his chance to showcase his talents if an approach came from the Blues.

    Bournemouth’s playing style and incredible journey has earned him plenty of plaudits, but the only negative is he is yet to gain experience at a club who are challenging for trophies.

    And with Abramovich showing a lack of patience with his managers for over a decade, the 40-year-old would be more suitable to a mid-table outfit where he may be afforded time to put structures in place.

    Ready for a new challenge? Eddie Howe.

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