Ex-PL scout: Ex-Chelsea manager in line for surprise return to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are eyeing Antonio Conte as a surprise target to become their next manager as they continue to assess a number of options for the position.

The 56-year-old, currently managing Napoli who look set to finish second in Serie A, is seen as the type of manager the Blues’ young squad needs at the moment.

Liam Rosenior’s inexperience had become an issue for him behind the scenes, so landing a disciplinarian like Conte could be necessary to handle the players.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Italian would drive high standards and not accept the recent dressing room issues.

Conte last managed in the Premier League with Tottenham in 2023 before leaving in spectacular fashion, but could now return as Chelsea eye their next manager.

Could Antonio Conte return to Chelesa this summer?

Brown warned Football Insider on 23 April that Chelsea’s squad cannot be trusted, and any incoming manager will have to be able to deal with their issues.

Conte, famed for his style as a disciplinarian, has proven at multiple clubs in the past that he drives high standards and that may be exactly what Chelsea need.

Although there are concerns about his last spell in England and there are other targets on the Blues’ radar, Conte has now emerged as a potential option.

“One thing Antonio Conte brings is that winning mentality,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He wants to win games and he wants to win trophies first and foremost, that’s what he does and that’s what he would bring to Chelsea.

“Plus, his style of management might be exactly what this squad needs.

“A lot of the issues Rosenior had were down to the players, their attitudes and problems in the dressing room, and Conte wouldn’t tollerate that.

“He would bring a lot of discipline and experience, so in that respect, he would be ideal.

“It comes down to what the hierarchy there are going to do, because with Conte you don’t just get the good, you get the bad side too. Do they want to put up with that?

“If the answer is yes, and they feel the positives outweigh any negatives, then he should be high on their list and could be an option for Chelsea.”

Who else is on Chelsea’s shortlist of managers?

Conte is far from the only manager on the Blues’ shortlist, with a number of high-profile options being considered as they must ensure they get this appointment right.

The likes of Andoni Iraola and Felipe Luis have been linked, while sources say Cesc Fabregas is in a strong position to land the job at Stamford Bridge.

Football Insider revealed on 24 April that Fabregas is a leading contender for Chelsea, and the board have been impressed by his work in Serie A.

That, alongside his links to Stamford Bridge after playing there between 2014 and 2019 have led to suggestions he could be set to become the next manager.

While he has insisted his current focus is on Como as things stand, the club’s president admitted the boss is “free to go to Chelsea if he wishes”, sparking new interest.

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