Julian Nagelsmann vs Luis Enrique: Looking at Who Is Better for Chelsea As Frank Lampard Steps in Temporarily

When the Todd Boehly-led Clearlake consortium splashed an excess of 250 million euros on new players in their first transfer window as Chelsea owners, many revelled in how the club had managed to find a new owner in the mould of Roman Abramovich.

The Russian oligarch never shied away from paying the top dollar for any player. Neither did he hesitate to crack the whip on 'underperforming' managers.

This crude method often brought success and thus, no one really questioned his tactics.

As for Boehly, he has already spent loads of cash, overseen four different managers in one season, but somehow, Chelsea are on the cusp of their worst finish in recent times.

The dismissal of Graham Potter presented an opportunity for the owners to make the right decision of hiring a new manager. Club legend Frank Lampard was roped in as 'we continue our thorough and exhaustive process for a permanent head coach', as quoted by the club's website.

According to multiple media outlets, 'the permanent head coach' search has been narrowed down to either Julian Nagelsmann or Luis Enrique. Sports Brief takes a look at both managers, their tactics and how each could fit Chelsea's plan.

1. Julian Nagelsmann

There isn't a younger coach who is tactically astute and aware as the former Bayern Munich boss. It is understood that his dismissal by the Bavarian giants had nothing to do with his performance but off-field issues.

In Nagelsmann, Chelsea will get a manager who is not shy to implement different tactics at any stage of the game. He predominantly plays with three at the back, which would allow Reece James and Ben Chilwell to prod forward with intent.

Chelsea doesn't have a recognised number 9, but lucky for them, Nagelsmann's system doesn't depend entirely on an out-and-out number 9 to thrive. He could play Kai Havertz off Christopher Nkunku(whose arrival is imminent) with the many wingers Chelsea have complementing those efforts.

The 35-year-old also relies on counterattacks, and this could bring the best out of pacy forwards like Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk. In a nutshell, Chelsea won't need a major overhaul of the existing squad.

The biggest disadvantage will be whether he will be able to manage the egos in the dressing room. The player power at Stamford Bridge has been too strong even for elite managers like Jose Mourinho.

2. Luis Enrique

Well, if Chelsea are picking a coach based on his CV alone, then this is a no-brainer. Enrique is a Champions League-winning manager though his detractors will point out that he did so in a team with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Fair point. But in essence, getting those three superstars to play together selflessly is an achievement in itself. This gives the Spanish manager an advantage when it comes to controlling egos. It doesn't matter who you are, you have to play for the team.

However, Enrique strictly adheres to his 4-3-3 formation, which could pose major problems for the current Chelsea squad. This formation requires ball-playing players whose main intention is to keep possession, recycle it and bore the opponent to death with passes until they get a goal.

Looking at Chelsea's current squad, very few players can easily do this to perfection. Enrique will, however, be bolstered by Enzo Fernandez, who could easily play the Sergio Busquets role.

He will also need a striker though he has many at times used a false 9 like Dani Olmo. Nkunku's arrival could offer him options.

Enrique's tactics could take longer to implement, but the fact that he is a serial winner could give the Chelsea board some confidence.

Verdict

Both managers will be perfect for Chelsea, only that Enrique's style could fail to bear fruit immediately. But with constant support, methinks that the 52-year-old could replicate what Pep Guardiola has done in the Premier League.

If the Chelsea owners still want a long-term manager, he is their man but in Nagelsmann, you get a coach who is ready to bend the rules and tweak the system to get instant results.

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Football

The Blues will play the record champions at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday evening, looking to put their domestic issues behind them.

It has been Chelsea's worst season in recent times by their own lofty standards and the marquee European trophy presents their only chance at redemption.