Luis Enrique: How Chelsea Could Line Up Next Season Under Prospective New Blues Boss

Luis Enrique: How Chelsea Could Line Up Next Season Under Prospective New Blues Boss

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:30 PM
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  • Chelsea could parade a much-changed XI next season should Luis Enrique land the Stamford Bridge job
  • The Spaniard is said to be a frontrunner for the vacant managerial role and is reportedly keen to take over
  • The ex-La Roja boss has been backed to make at least four new signings familiar with his style of play

Former Barcelona boss, Luis Enrique has emerged as a shock frontrunner for the vacant Chelsea managerial job.

The position fell vacant on April 3 following Graham Potter's sacking, after just seven months at the helm of affairs at Stamford Bridge.

Luis Enrique, Premier League, Chelsea, Stamford Bridge.
Luis Enrique waves goodbye to the fans after Spain's penalty shoot-out defeat in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Morocco at the Education City Stadium. Photo by Tom Jenkins.
Source: Getty Images

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea chiefs resolved to part ways with the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager after he led the club in a disastrous run of form that had seen them languish in the mid-table for weeks.

The 2021 Champions League winners are in 11th place with just 39 points from 29 games, with Potter's last game in charge ending in a 2-0 humiliating defeat against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea hunting for manager

Potter's abrupt departure has forced Chelsea to enter the market in search of his replacement, with a number of names already floated.

The Blues are currently under the tutelage of Bruno Saltor, who is in charge temporarily before a substantive appointment is made.

However, it remains unclear if the west London club will initially appoint someone to take charge until the end of the season or if they will make a permanent appointment immediately.

Be that as it may, the Blues do have a pool of experienced and qualified managers they can select from.

The Mirror claims the club already have an eight-man shortlist of managers they are eyeing as prospective candidates.

Chelsea under Luis Enrique

It is believed that Enrique is one of the strong favourites to take charge at Stamford Bridge. According to Football London, the former La Roja coach has already travelled to London for talks.

This has raised the question: how would the Blues line up under the Spaniard, should he land the role?

GiveMeSports reports that unlike Potter, who did not have a preferred formation, Enrique is known to be faithful and loyal to the 4-3-3 formation.

It is believed the Champions League winner has already informed Chelsea chiefs that he must be allowed to bring in new players who are familiar with his playing style if he is to accept the role.

Such a scenario would see Enrique bring in at least four new players, likely including a goalkeeper and a striker.

Spanish keeper, David Raya has been backed to be brought in - a move that could see both Edouard Mendy and Kepa relegated to the bench.

In defence, Pau Torres could be the only addition, with Ben Chilwell, Benoit Badiashile, and Reece James joining the Spaniard in a back four.

In the midfield, Chelsea already have enough depth and Enrique could utilise the trio of N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and January arrival, Enzo Fernandez.

Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku could be drafted in attack alongside Neymar Junior, who has been linked with a sensational summer move to the Premier League.

Managers who could replace Potter

Sports Brief also reported on Chelsea embarking on an elaborate plan to find a permanent replacement for Potter.

The Blues are currently without a substantive manager after the Englishman was axed on Sunday evening.

Potter was sacked hours after leading the embattled Blues to a 2-0 humiliation against Aston Villa at home.

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Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team
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