WHO COULD STEP INTO HIS SHOES?

SHORT TERM

GIANFRANCO ZOLA Assistant first-team coach EDDIE NEWTON Technical coach, works with players out on loan PAULO FERREIRA Technical coach, works with players out on loan Chelsea would look to Zola (right) to steer the ship on a temporary basis if Sarri is sacked. Zola is on the Blues backroom staff but has had mixed experience managing West Ham, Watford and Birmingham City. Newton has worked in an interim backroom team before, under Roberto Di Matteo, and would provide assistance alongside former right back Ferreira — both work with Chelsea’s raft of loan players.

LONG TERM ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Hugely successful in Europe with Real Madrid and, helpfully, an idol that could keep Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge. Zidane will have big offers elsewhere too. LIKELIHOOD RATING: 2.5/5

FRANK LAMPARD

Impressing in his first season at Derby, Chelsea’s record goalscorer would be the popular choice for the fans. But lack of experience to deal with a huge step up is a concern. LIKELIHOOD RATING: 3/5

LAURENT BLANC

The former Manchester United centre back has managed PSG and France. Out of work since 2016 but Blanc is sniffing around for a new job with the Premier League an ideal destination. LIKELIHOOD RATING: 3.5/5

MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI

Juventus manager has only one year left on his contract and has spoken of a desire to manage in England. Attracting Allegri with no Champions League football would be tough. LIKELIHOOD RATING: 2.5/5

JOSE MOURINHO

Stranger things have happened than a third spell for Chelsea’s most successful manager. Out of work and loves life in London, but relationships at the club were fractured last time. LIKELIHOOD RATING: 1/5