Cristiano Ronaldo’s move has affected the whole world, and Chelsea aren’t getting away with it.
Chelsea are looking to replace Antonio Conte for the next Premier League season, but they need to be quick about it.
It looks like Maurizio Sarri is their first choice replacement, with the saga ongoing for many months now.
However, he has been in contact with Roman Abramovich. According to football.london, the current Napoli boss will only join Chelsea should Eden Hazard and Willian remain at the club.
Bad timing, Maurizio.
Sarri couldn’t have granted such a policy at a worse time. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus still fresh on everybody’s mind, Los Blancos will certainly consider a move for Eden Hazard.
He is currently the bookmakers’ favorite to replace the Portuguese superstar. Having been linked with the club for many months, Eden Hazard will certainly be more swayed now Ronaldo has departed.
Wait – Did you say Willian?!
Yep, that’s right. Maurizio Sarri must have a plan up his sleeve if he wants to keep Willian.
That said, the Brazilian may be even harder to keep, as former manager Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with him at Manchester United.
If this means a new rivalry for Mourinho, he best use his best ammunition with Sarri at the helm.
Chelsea must keep both players.
It goes without saying that Chelsea must keep hold of Eden Hazard. The Belgian is one of the best in the world, and he comes up with the goods for Chelsea regularly.
His flair-driven and unselfish approach will inevitably be tempting for any manager, and if the Blues want to land Maurizio Sarri, then they will need to keep hold of him.
Willian is a little more difficult to get my head around. He can be a good player on his day, but the trouble comes with finding his day.
Perhaps meeting up with the likes of Neymar and Philippe Coutinho at the World Cup would have done him good, but it wasn’t a successful competition from his point-of-view.
If anybody can install a sense of belief in him, it’s Sarri. I feel that if Antonio Conte is to remain as Chelsea boss, then Willian will have to part ways. I can’t see any way of the two working together efficiently.
Next: Keeping Antonio Conte wouldn't be a huge disaster
What do you make of the situation? What is the best way Chelsea can ensure Eden Hazard, Willian AND Maurizio Sarri?