Manchester United assistant manager Rui Faria is being linked with a return to Chelsea as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte.
The Portuguese has announced that he will step down as Jose Mourinho’s number two this summer, having worked alongside his compatriot for 17 years at a number of clubs around Europe, including both of his spells at Stamford Bridge.
Faria has been linked with the managerial job at Arsenal but, but according to reports in Spain, Chelsea are also interested in his services.
Spanish publication Don Balon claim that Blues chiefs have asked about his services as they look at potential replacements for Antonio Conte.
Conte is set to be sacked in the coming weeks after what has been a disappointing campaign for the Blues, with yesterday’s final round of matches confirming that Chelsea finished the season outside of the top four and will ultimately not be in next season’s Champions League.
The Italian has also been involved in a number of public spats regarding the club’s transfer policy, while the players are thought to be exhausted from his tiresome training methods.
The report claims that Faria’s knowledge of the club and his lower wage demands than other potential candidates, could make him a more attractive option than the likes of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
Enrique – who is set to return to the dugout after a year-long sabbatical – has been heavily linked with the Chelsea job.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Mourinho has given his good friend and long term colleague the green light to pursue a career in management.
“The intelligent student is now a football expert, ready for a successful career as a manager.
“I will miss my friend and that is the hardest thing for me, but his happiness is more important and, of course, I respect his decision, especially because I know that we will always be together. Be happy, brother!”
