Chelsea's next manager: 5 replacements possible if Maurizio Sarri is sacked

Maurizio Sarri will face the return leg at Chelsea if he loses the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

Chelsea are in shambles and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United on Monday night.

Chelsea's board is increasingly concerned about the series of poor results and Sarri's relationship with fans.

Sarri now appears to be a dead man walking to Stamford Bridge and he is short of time as they will face Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday night, Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday and Tottenham next Wednesday.

But who could enter? Here are the potential replacements for Stamford Bridge.

Gianfranco Zola

Recognized as a legend of the club at the time when he was playing for the club, Zola is currently badistant manager of Sarri in the Chelsea canoe.

Having already worked in England with West Ham, Watford and Birmingham, Zola has some management basics in which he had to be put on the spot, although he did not do too well in any of the roles.

The faithful of Chelsea, who still hold the Italian in high esteem, will certainly not be opposed to this decision.

Zola would probably be a tentative appointment until the end of the season if Sarri leaves.

Frank Lampard

The legend of Chelsea takes its first steps in the direction of Derby.

The Rams started the season well and won some impressive scalps at the Carabao Cup, including the elimination of Manchester United.

They are still well positioned to reach the championship playoffs, but Lampard continues to be tied to Chelsea's work.

It will probably be too early for the scorer of the club, although he may find the offer too good to be denied.

Brendan Rodgers

Bookmakers have reduced the chances of Rodgers returning to Stamford Bridge.

The former Liverpool boss headed the Chelsea youth teams before landing his first senior position at Watford.

He has guided Celtic to back-to-back trebles and they are staying on track to repeat this feat this season.

But you have to wonder how much more he can do north of the border.

Rodgers certainly has outstanding business in the Premier League after the end of events in Liverpool.

Zinedine Zidane

The Frenchman has not yet found the direction since his departure from Real Madrid at the end of last season.

Real has won three Champions League titles during his tenure, but it remains to be seen how he will do it elsewhere.

Zidane's bad luck is not helped by his mediocre English, but he is a very reputable candidate.

It is likely that he will want badurances on the future of Eden Hazard before baduming this role.

Jose Mourinho

The naughty pantomime fans love to hate could be scheduled for a sensational comeback at Stamford Bridge, in what would be his third stint at the club.

Since he was sacked from Manchester United in December, he resides in a specialist position, forced to see the resurgence of his former team under the new leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The possibility of returning to West London – near his family home – and ending up again in the Premier League may be too good an opportunity to refuse, his credibility declining after his struggles with United.