May is beckoning and the inevitable exit of Rafa Benitez is on the horizon. Last week we assessed two highly potential candidates to take over the hot seat of the most unsecured managerial job in Football at SW6, London, home of the Champions of Europe 2012; in the shape of Jose Mourinho – the man whose name is sung with Passion at the Bridge on daily basis. And also David Moyes, the calm looking Everton manager who has been tipped to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. This week we consider two managers who have been highly tipped to be poached by big clubs; Michael Laudrup and Manuel Pellegrini.
Michael Laudrup:
The Danish football Legend and former player of Real Madrid and Barcerlona who featured for both rival clubs to defeat the other by 5-0 has been a revelation this season after successfully adapting to the EPL as a manager within a short period of time. Michael is very fluent in English and is admired by many if not all including the media. His style of play as a footballer in Barcerlona has influenced him a lot in the way he organises his team to play, thus the attacking free flowing football. The former Getafe manager has seen his stock as a manager risen high since taking the Swansea job. His eye for making good and shrewd deal can be attested to by the signing of Michu and Pablo Hernandez who have been in immense form in the EPL. It is believed that Real Madrid are closely monitoring his contract situation at Swansea and he is highly preferred to succeed Mourinho. Not only Madrid, but some high profile football personalities like Ian Wright have tipped Luadrup to succeed Wenger.
What Does Laudrup Bring to Chelsea?
The 48-year old’s premiership experience with Swansea will be an advantage to him and Chelsea. He has known how the English game is and will have knowledge about certain peculiarities of the EPL. Not only that, Laudrup’s stint with Swansea will boost his experience of working with the youth and the young. His calmness and likable persona will be a boost to the club’s image branding since we have been painted as bad by the media in all our dealings although we do not care because it is mere jealousness of our success and rich owner. Michael Comes across as someone who is very intelligent and reasonable hence he will not clash with the board or owner. His belief and confidence in the young will help Chelsea in our pursuit of building a strong talented young team who are hungry for success and with emphasis on our academy products. Finally his knowledge in football as a player at the top level who featured for the two glamorous clubs in Spain will be crucial to the development of our players.
Manuel Pellegrini
Pellegrini is one of the best tacticians in the game. In Spain, he is the second most successful football manager from South America. He guided Villareal to Semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League only to be knocked out by Arsene Wenger’s invincible team of 2006. He was succeed by Jose Mourinho in 2010 after failing to win the La Liga with a record points of 96. Pellegrini is known for playing a good attacking football. His aura of dignity and stability is always seen around his clubs. At Malaga, he keeps on exceeding expectation with very limited budget available to him. He is strongly known for nurturing young talents and this must be a reason why Chelsea sent their brightest young talent to Malaga to benefit from the Chilean tactician. Rumors strongly coming from Chile indicate that Manchester City have had a verbal Agreement with him to take over from Mancini. He is truly someone you can entrust your club in his hands for the long term since he has the vision and all the attributes to stabilize a club at the top level for the long term. He has turned Isco to be one of the best young players in the world and Isco regards him highly as a father since Unai Emery failed to give him the chance in Valencia. Pellegrini’s agent has been quoted for saying Chelsea have made an enquiry about Pellegrini and he has admitted managing in England will excite him.
Well, i leave it to your judgement. Your opinions are highly cherished and valued and we encourage you to share yours with us about Chelsea’s managerial conundrum.
KTBFFH!
By Seth Adusei ( follow me on twitter @sethaadusei)
