Chelsea: 5 Managerial Replacements For Rafa Benitez

by Joseph Dempsey

Speaking to reporter Alastair Yeomans, the Spaniard spoke of his frustration at being labelled "interim manager", criticised a section of the club's fans for "wasting time" and then, to top it all off, announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season in May. The former Liverpool boss never was a popular choice at Stamford Bridge following the cut-throat dismissal of likable Roberto Di Matteo, and has been beset by fan's protests and subjected to boos ever since taking the job in November. Under his stewardship, the Blues have had an indifferent campaign. On Monday, Chelsea slumped to fourth in the league and were leapfrogged by London rivals Tottenham, and are now battling to remain in Champions League contention - a competition of which they were eliminated from at the group stages this season. Though they are in the quarter finals of the FA Cup and have progressed in the Europa League, this season can scarcely be labelled "a success". Chelsea must now begin rebuilding for next season, starting by appointing a new manager. But who will it be? Here, we run through 5 possible candidates. Click "Next" to begin.

Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.