Fernandez gives backing to manager ‘close’ to being named Chelsea boss; Boehly wants Conte ‘magic’ | OneFootball

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has given his seal of approval to former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo with the Argentine a possible permanent replacement for Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues sacked Potter earlier this month after their 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa with the former Brighton boss managing just 12 wins in 31 matches in all competitions.

Chelsea coach Bruno Saltor took charge of their 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool last week before Frank Lampard was appointed as caretaker manager in a shock appointment.

And Lampard got a quick introduction to the task he faces at Stamford Bridge with his first match in charge ending in a 1-0 defeat to Wolves.

It’s not clear if Lampard will be given a chance to prove himself as a possible permanent manager after being sacked from the club little over two years ago.

But reports are indicating that the search is well underway for a permanent successor to Potter with numerous names flying about in the media.

Brazilian publication UOL claim that former River Plate boss Gallardo is ‘close to taking over Chelsea’ and sees the job at Stamford Bridge as a ‘great gateway’ into European football.

Gallardo, who left River Plate in November, has been ‘given the go-ahead’ by compatriot Fernandez with the pair working together during the Chelsea midfielder’s time in Buenos Aires.

UOL add: ‘His admiration for the Premier League is such that he considered living in the United States at the beginning of this year to improve his English.’

Gallardo has ruled out staying in South America as ‘the continent does not pose challenges’ that he needs at the current stage in his managerial career.

Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and others have all been linked to the job at Stamford Bridge with Spanish publication Nacional claiming Antonio Conte is also in the frame.

Conte recently parted company with Tottenham after a turbulent season with the Italian criticising his “selfish” players and the board for the culture at the club.

However, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly remembers the good times Conte had at Stamford Bridge between 2016 and 2018 with the former Juventus boss the last manager to win the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge.

And Nacional insist that Boehly wants Conte to ‘do magic again’ in what the media outlet call a ‘radical change’ and a ‘script twist’.