Chelsea could hand Van Gaal a chance at Man United revenge

Matt Stead

Louis van Gaal is a ‘shock’ candidate to replace Antonio Conte at Chelsea, according to reports.

Many believe that Conte is unlikely to continue at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer, but the Daily Mirror claim the club have made a contingency plan if he leaves before then.

Simon Mullock writes that Van Gaal will be ‘considered’ by Chelsea ‘if Conte’s relationship with the London club completely breaks down’.

Van Gaal is ‘looking for a short-term job,’ and could welcome the opportunity to act as interim manager at Stamford Bridge.

The Dutchman ‘would offer a safe pair of hands’ until the end of the season, at which point Chelsea would make plans for a permanent appointment.

It would at least give Van Gaal a chance to get his revenge on Manchester United. Imagine if he knocked them out of the top four?

But it does seem unlikely that Conte will leave before the end of the season. Chelsea are fourth, in the FA Cup, and have a fair chance of getting past Barcelona in the Champions League. He’s doing alright.