Chelsea FC: Marco Silva, the perfect interim manager to replace Conte

The previous two Premier League winning managers Jose Mourinho (also at Chelsea) and Claudio Ranieri (Leicester) were relieved of their duties during the following season.

This is football now. Is Antonio Conte under the firing line? If so, who should replace him?

 

Chelsea’s rich history of ruthless sackings

Avram Grant was originally an unpopular appointment amongst Blues fans, but he led them to two finals, albeit losing both and a second-place finish in the Premier League.

Days after losing the Champions League final to Manchester United on penalties his contract was terminated. Carlo Ancelotti won the title and an FA Cup during his reign, he failed to defend the league title and despite finishing second was dismissed after the last game of the season.

Carlo’s Premier League win percentage was the third highest ever, only behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. The club paid a lot of money to have Andre Villas-Boas replace Ancelotti, only to sack him under a year later.

 

Tendency to appoint Interim manager

Chelsea have shown a tendency to appoint an interim or caretaker manager when dismissing managers mid-season. This has proved quite successful.

Guus Hiddink, who has taken the temporary role at Stamford Bridge on two occasions, winning the FA Cup first time around. Roberto Di Matteo went on to win both the FA Cup and the Champions League after replacing AVB in March 2012, earning himself a permanent deal with the club, only to be sacked in November.

The cycle continued. Rafa Benitez was appointed as interim boss and they went on to win the Europa League, he then left the club as per the terms of his contract.

This has clearly proved a lucky resort for the club and it could do so once again!

 

Why Marco Silva?

Marco Silva, the second coming of Jose Mourinho?

Whether he is or not, he is still a very young manager and has shown that he is prepared to make a brave move, as when joining Hull with no experience of English football, whilst the Yorkshire based club looked all but relegated.

They did get relegated, but they didn’t go without a fight. Silva managed several big wins during his time in charge, including a win over Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in one of the League Cup semi-final legs.

 

Why it could work?

Silva opened the eyes of many clubs and most of all, Watford.

The Hornets hired him and everything started well. Everton made an approach for him and suddenly Watford’s form slipped. Marco’s record feels tainted and I’m sure he would like the opportunity to put that right.

It’d be a risk given the importance of European qualification and that he’s only managed two English clubs and neither are of the champions’ calibre. But it is not a risk Chelsea haven’t been prepared to take before.

They still have a reasonable chance in the FA Cup and even if he just got them a top four finish, it could be a huge help for his future.

 

Written by Jordan Hackett

Follow Jordan on Twitter @Devildart180

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