It seems certain that Chelsea will lose Maurizio Sarri after an up-and-down season with the West London club. However, the question remains, just who will replace the Italian at the helm?
According to ESPN, Chelsea are reportedly targeting Watford manager Javi Gracia as a possible candidate at taking over at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard has enjoyed a fruitful spell as Watford manager, finishing in the top-half and reaching the FA Cup final in his first full season in charge of the club.
However, it is more than just Gracia’s achievements that make him a viable candidate for Chelsea. Gracia has vastly improved the attacking prowess of the Watford frontline. Outside the top six, Watford finished ninth with the most goals scored in the Premier League, and with a forward line of Andre Gray, Isaac Success and Troy Deeney that proves a phenomenal achievement, for a team who finished 14th in the 2017/2018 season.
Options are running thin, with a real lack of managers in European football presently. Massimiliano Allegri, whilst announcing his departure from Juventus, will look to take a break from football and will unlikely come due to a transfer ban for Chelsea. Jose Mourinho remains free however, has already been sacked by Chelsea twice and will unlikely return for a third spell.
However, despite Gracia’s obvious success with Watford, it is just one season. Gracia has failed to deliver success at any of top division clubs he has managed so far in his career. However, the 49-year-old has won three second division Spanish league titles during his time in Spain’s second tier.
Unlike Sarri, Gracia hasn’t got a style of play that differentiates him to the remaining candidates linked with the Chelsea job.
Overall, Gracia remains the best candidate of any listed with the Chelsea job that is available. However, it is clear to see that is the only reason he is linked with the job, as on a whole, appointing Gracia would be quite underwhelming.
Chelsea fans, just how annoyed would you be if Gracia were to be handed the job? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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