MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 12:35:03| >> :120:59120:59120:

Laurent Blanc 'new favourite' for Chelsea job

Former France boss Laurent Blanc reportedly emerges as the new frontrunner to replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea's next head coach.

Laurent Blanc has reportedly emerged as the new favourite to succeed Antonio Conte as head coach of Chelsea.

For a number of weeks, former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has been regarded as Chelsea's top target but in recent days, it has been suggested that the Blues have started to have second thoughts over paying the Italian's release clause.

According to The Sun, further doubts have emerged over the possible appointment of Sarri due to a 'homophobic row' with Roberto Mancini last season, which resulted in a fine and a touchline ban.

Chelsea have taken a zero-tolerance stance on homophobic language in the past and as it stands, the incident will allegedly count against Sarri if Chelsea decide to part company with Conte in the near future.

That would seemingly leave Blanc high on the shortlist to replace the Italian, while a fee would not have to be paid for the former France and Paris Saint-Germain manager.

Zinedine Zidane is a possible late contender for the top job at the West Londoners after leaving Real Madrid, but the three-time Champions League winner is expected to bide his time before accepting a new position.

ID:327268: cacheID:327268:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2511:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri at the game against Lazio on April 9, 2017
Read Next:
Chelsea unwilling to pay Sarri clause?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!