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Enzo Fernandez recommendation prompts Chelsea to line up SURPRISE new permanent manager.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has reportedly informed the club that he wants former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo to take over permanently.
They both worked at River and once Fernandez graduated from their academy, Gallardo gave him his first team start there in 2019.
According to UOL, the 22-year-old still views his former coach as a “father figure” and would be happy to meet him again, apparently giving Chelsea “the go-ahead” to make their move.
Even further, the Brazilian site claims that Gallardo is “near” to being appointed.
The 47-year-old has not held a managerial position since leaving River in November, but rumours out of Argentina indicate that he is eager to return and is optimistic about being hired by Chelsea.
Since leaving River, Gallardo is rumoured to have started learning English, and he is eager to test his skills against those of the Premier League.
Of course, it will be the Chelsea hierarchy, not Gallardo or Fernandez, who will make that choice.
Given that Graham Potter was dismissed from his duties owing to his relative inexperience at the top level, the nomination of the Argentine tactician would undoubtedly be a surprise. Early frontrunners for the position include high-calibre names like Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.
The latter is rumoured to have spoken with Chelsea representatives in person last week.
However, Todd Boehly and the company appointed Frank Lampard on an interim basis precisely to give them time to explore their choices, thus Gallardo’s name will probably still be on the list.
In the meanwhile, Fernandez and co have a Champions League quarter-final to attend, as they travel to holders Real Madrid in Wednesday’s first leg.