Chelsea are now in a dogfight to finish in the top four and Massimiliano Allegri has been linked to take over as boss from Frank Lampard as a result.
But former midfielder Craig Burley, speaking to ESPN, believes the Italian won’t get the job because of his negative tactics.
Yet he thinks Brendan Rodgers could make a stunning return to Stamford Bridge, having previously worked at Chelsea as a coach.
“Allegri is known for pragmatism. There is nothing wrong with that, but Abramovich has always tried to get away from that. He had enough of it under [Jose] Mourinho,” Burley told ESPN FC.
“I’m not a Thomas Tuchel fan. He’s done a decent job at [Borussia] Dortmund and PSG but I’m not on the Thomas Tuchel train.
“I look at Brendan Rodgers as, at least, the third best coach in the Premier League.
“Is there anybody better [except Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola]? No, not even close.”
Burley also expressed a belief that Rodgers’ past Chelsea connection could be key.
“He’s [also] worked at Chelsea before with the younger kids,” he added.
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“Would Rodgers have more understanding of what he wants [with the Chelsea squad] because of his experience [compared to Lampard]? Yes, he would.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
