Chelsea’s dream next manager has already made feelings clear about joining | Football

Luis Enrique is amongst the candidates linked with the Chelsea job, and the role could align perfectly with his ambition to manage in the Premier League. The Blues are expected to appoint a new head coach this summer following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal last month.

With Calum McFarlane currently serving as caretaker, identifying a permanent manager is the pressing priority at Stamford Bridge, with Enrique potentially emerging as the frontrunner. The 55-year-old, who currently holds the reins at Paris Saint-Germain, previously expressed his desire to ply his trade in England.

Speaking in 2023, he told Cadena SER: “I have a special attraction – I would like to go to England to work. I follow English football a lot, more than Spanish football. In the Spanish league, I do follow the biggest teams and little else.” Enrique had just departed his role as Spain’s national team manager and dismissed speculation of a move to the English top flight at that point.

Nevertheless, he did acknowledge he would only contemplate a handful of clubs, stressing the importance of joining a side with genuine winning ambitions. He added: “If I see myself working in the Premier (League) in June? No, the truth is that I don’t – do you know why? Because it is very difficult for it to happen. I’m not going to deceive you – I’m not going to go to any team in the Premier (League).

“I would like to go to one that has clear options to do important things.” The Blues may not meet Enrique’s requirements as they currently languish ninth in the table and are enduring a six-match losing run. Their prospects of securing Champions League qualification have suffered a severe blow in recent weeks and they could be miss out on European football entirely. With just one year remaining on his contract in Paris, Enrique has also been touted for a switch to Manchester United.

However, Enrique confirmed his future, at least for the time being, lies at the Parc des Princes when recently addressing the club’s summer strategy alongside PSG sporting director Luis Campos. When questioned about the forthcoming transfer window, the former Barcelona manager said: “There will be small adjustments, just like last year.

“We won’t sign a lot of players.” Additionally, Enrique is reportedly in talks to pen a new contract that would retain him in the French capital until 2030 – which would represent seven years as PSG manager. Having guided the Ligue 1 champions to their maiden Champions League trophy last year, they’re one match away from reaching consecutive finals after defeating Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their semi-final encounter.

Other names associated with the Chelsea position include Andoni Iraola, who is poised to depart Bournemouth at the conclusion of the season, and Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso who left Real Madrid earlier this year.