Luis Enrique becoming the new Chelsea manager may well be good news for several Chelsea stars. Outside of the standard 'clean slate' under a new boss, the Spaniard's previous relationship with several Blues players could be a major boost for the squad.
The former Barcelona and Spain head coach has held meetings with the club as the new owners search for their third manager in 10 months. Enrique, 52, has made his intentions of coming to England very clear in recent weeks.
He is amongst the favourites for the vacant role too with Bruno Saltor currently deputising for the void left by Graham Potter after he was sacked on Sunday. Alongside Enrique as the prime candidates at this stage are Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino.
Although Nagelsmann has previous with co-sporting director Christopher Vivell, something that could work in his favour, Enrique has experience of being with several members of the current playing group. He was, for instance, managing Cesar Azpilicueta in Qatar for the World Cup over the winter.
The current Chelsea captain played 22 times under Enrique for his country and praised his conduct despite exciting the tournament in disappointing style. "We had all imagined another ending after months of work, passion, dedication and commitment," Azpilicueta posted on Instagram. "Thank you very much for the trust, Luis Enrique, and all the coaching staff I wish you the best in the future."
He is not the only one either. Enrique handed Marc Cucurella his first international call-up in 2020, picking the then Getafe fullback for his squad. Cucurella didn't play for him though. He has since found himself in and out of the team at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is in a similar boat. He suffered perhaps his worst run of form at the start of Enrique's time at Spain with the coach explaining the decision to leave him out of a 2020 squad, saying: "Kepa is not in a nice situation, but it is not the end of the world," Spain head coach Luis Enrique told a news conference.
"It's the ideal moment for him to rise again, for us to see what Kepa is made of. What he is going through at Chelsea now is something that happens to all players throughout their careers."
Kepa has since established himself as the new No.1 at SW6 and could be one to keep his place should Enrique come into the job.
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