Chelsea 'target ANOTHER managerial comeback with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in the running for the permanent role this summer'... just a day after Frank Lampard made a sensational return to the club as caretaker manager
- Frank Lampard was named as Chelsea interim boss until the end of the season
- Chelsea will face Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the Champions League next week
- Ancelotti could make a shock return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season
Chelsea are reportedly targeting another shock managerial return as Carlo Ancelotti is the latest name to be linked with the permanent job at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard was named as caretaker manager of Chelsea, returning to the club after being sacked by the previous ownership in 2021, and has the role until the end of the season while the search for a long-term successor takes place.
Ancelotti, who led Chelsea to a famous Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010, is widely expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and will be considered for the role to replace Graham Potter on a full-time basis, according to ESPN.
Sources told ESPN that Chelsea's owners will consider as many as seven candidates for the role in the summer.
These include frontrunners Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique while former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is also in the frame.
Carlo Ancelotti reportedly will be considered for Chelsea's permanent role in the summer
Frank Lampard has returned to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly sacked Graham Potter last week after a dismal few months
Ancelotti's uncertain future with Real Madrid has also seen him enter consideration for an incredible return to Chelsea over 10 years since his departure.
ESPN were told that Ancelotti has accepted that he is under pressure at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos 12 points behind rivals Barcelona in LaLiga despite knocking them out of the Copa del Rey.
The failure to deliver the Champions League trophy in successive seasons could see the Italian lose his job despite last season's success.
Chelsea could aid their pursuit of Ancelotti if they are to knock their beloved 'King Carlo' out of the competition when the Blues meet Real Madrid in the quarter-finals next week.
Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have both already been linked with returns to Chelsea
Despite a brief spell at Everton, Ancelotti has restored his reputation as one of the greatest managers in world football during his time at Real Madrid.
It is believed that Chelsea are 'determined to retain the model of a coach working in tandem with a technical director', and with this being a structure that Ancelotti has worked within throughout his coaching career, he would make an ideal candidate.
The former Blues boss has worked closely with Paul Clement previously, who returned to Chelsea as part of Lampard's coaching staff, which could set up a reunion if Ancelotti returns.
Furthermore, Ancelotti's readiness to work with younger coaches such as Clement and Zinedine Zidane could open up a similar set-up at Chelsea, it is believed.
This news comes after both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have been linked with returns to Stamford Bridge, with the new ownership already showing that they are willing to work with previous managers following Lampard's appointment.
It is believed that Conte will hold talks over the role and is being considered due to his winning mentality, while Mourinho is open to a third spell at Stamford Bridge.
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