Former Barcelona and Spanish national team boss Luis Enrique could become the new manager of the Premier League side Chelsea. As per multiple reports, the former Barca and Real Madrid player is travelling to London to have further talks with Blues owner Todd Boehly after impressing the club management in initial discussions.
The 52-year-old, who left his position as Spain’s national team coach following the World Cup, is said to have sold a distinct team vision for the Premier League giants. Luis Enrique described his high-intensity, high-pressing style, which he believes works particularly well with the young players Chelsea have brought in.
On April 2, the day after the Blues’ 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea fired Graham Potter as manager. Potter, who was chosen to succeed Thomas Tuchel in September, had a miserable time in London as his team fell to 11th place in the Premier League.
The club had previously expressed interest in the former Barcelona coach, but other options won out over his wage demands and relative lack of English. However, Enrique has been working on the language, and his tactical ideal has sufficiently captured the attention of the established hierarchy.
Having won the Champions League with Barcelona during the 2014–15 season, the former midfielder also has the advantage of being the only candidate currently under consideration to have done so.
The club insists they are not close to making a decision even though Spanish media is confident Enrique will lead Chelsea in the future. Ivan De La Pena, a current agent and former teammate of Enrique’s at Barcelona, is travelling with him to London.
Chelsea next play Wolverhampton on April 8, and four days later, they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against current champion Real Madrid.
Another front-runner for the position is Julian Nagelsmann, who has been recently fired by Bayern Munich. His representatives are also in active and fruitful negotiations with Chelsea, according to Sky Germany.
The 35-year-old will take his time making a decision about his future, especially after strong interest from another London club, Tottenham Hotspur. He wants to manage in the Premier League and sees it as his natural next destination.
