Chelsea are said to have "made contact" with Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo in their search for their next manager, according to reports. The Blues are on their hunt for a new head coach to take the reigns after Graham Potter was dismissed from his post last weekend.
Bruno Saltor took over for the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in midweek, but there was another twist in the tale as former midfielder and coach Frank Lampard was appointed as caretaker manager for the rest of the season. The ex-England international's return has given the hierarchy more time to make the right decision for their next full-time hire.
"It's a pretty easy decision to make. This is my club. In terms of my playing career and having coached here before," Lampard said in his first press conference back at Cobham. "I have a lot of emotions and feelings towards the club. I'm also a very practical person. When you become a manager, you understand that you don't manage the club you say is yours forever.
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"I've been on a different path since I left Chelsea but to come back at time where the club have asked me to come and take the role, that's the most important thing, but also with the belief that I can come and help the cause in this period until the end of the season.
"I'm delighted to get the opportunity and I want to be thankful for that, for the people that have decided to give me an opportunity. I'm confident in myself, have a good understanding of the squad, of course I've worked with a lot of them before, but also the training ground, the stadium, the fans, what Chelsea fans want and I'll do my utmost in this period to give them what they want with my own hard work."
There will be plenty of hope that Lampard can regain some form to the side ahead of a huge run-in that includes a Champions League quarter-final. Behind the scenes though, the talks surrounding a new manager will continue as the full process looks set to be a thorough one.
Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are two coaches that have been heavily linked, however more names continue to pop up. According to Relevo, the Blues have made contact with Mourinho over a potential third stint at the club, despite his current role with AS Roma.
The Portuguese boss has won plenty of trophies in his time, including a few at Stamford Bridge, though it remains to be seen if a return is a tangible possibility. A compatriot of his could also be in the running as former Wolves and Tottenham boss Espirito Santo is also said to have been contacted.
It seems to be another twist in a saga that won't be resolved in the near future, especially with the return of Lampard easing any pressure over a quick hiring.
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