Zinedine Zidane, Luis Enrique 'among contenders to replace Graham Potter at Chelsea'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 March 2023

Zidane, Enrique 'among contenders to replace Potter at Chelsea'

Chelsea may reportedly approach Zinedine Zidane or Luis Enrique if they opt to part ways with head coach Graham Potter in the future.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique as potential managerial targets for the future.

In September, the Blues sacked Thomas Tuchel and handed a five-year contract to Graham Potter, who the club's owners have continued to back despite a prolonged run of poor form.

Chelsea find themselves down in 10th position in the Premier League standings and needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund to progress through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

As well as failing to record a win in any competition since January 15, Potter's side have also netted just four goals in their most recent 10 matches.

The period of disappointing results has come during and following the latest transfer window, where Chelsea added six players to immediately strengthen their first-team squad.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on February 26, 2023. © Reuters

Reports continue to insist that Potter still has the support of a consortium headed by Todd Boehly, yet there is scope for the mood to take a further downward turn if Chelsea do not defeat at least one of either Leeds United or Dortmund in their next two fixtures.

According to Sport, Zidane and Enrique will both come under consideration if Potter leaves Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks and months.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Chelsea faced the prospect of shelling out £50m to Potter if they made the decision to part ways with the former Brighton & Hove Albion man.

That would, in theory, likely leave Chelsea preferring to appoint an out-of-work manager as his replacement, and Zidane and Enrique both fit that criteria.

Spain boss Luis Enrique pictured at the World Cup on December 1, 2022 © Reuters

Zidane has been out of work since departing Real Madrid in May 2021 having failed to deliver a trophy in the final season of his second stint in charge.

Nevertheless, the legendary Frenchman has guided Los Blancos to two La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during his two stints at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Enrique is available after leaving his role as Spain boss on the back of their last-16 exit in the World Cup.

Since May 2014, the 52-year-old has only taken charge of either Barcelona or his country, and he can count two La Liga trophies and one Champions League crown among his accolades.