MX23RW : Friday, November 8 12:48:30| >> :60:89:89:

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
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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!