Mourinho? Guardiola? Benítez? Capello? Who will Chelsea turn to next?

The bookies make José Mourinho favourite to return as Chelsea manager but the Special One is not the only candidate
José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Rafael Benítez and Fabio Capello
The candidates to replace André Villas-Boas at Chelsea: José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Rafael Benítez and Fabio Capello. Photograph: Getty Images; AFP/Getty

José Mourinho Odds 5-2

Age 49 Club Real Madrid

Why he's right for Roman The Portuguese may feel he has unfinished business at Chelsea after the manner of his departure. He has won the European Cup at Internazionale and Porto, and is thought to be unhappy in Spain – he was seen house-hunting in London last week.

Why he's wrong for Roman If Chelsea do not finish in the top four, Mourinho would be unlikely to take the job. He would also demand the funds that Abramovich has not made available to subsequent managers – and that is the way the pair fell out in the first place.

Pep Guardiola 4-1

Age 41 Club Barcelona

Why he's right for Roman Guardiola has won two European Cups in three seasons and three La Liga titles in a row at Barça, where he has arguably created the greatest team of all time. However, he is often thought to struggle with the stress caused by being their manager.

Why he's wrong for Roman There is no Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández or Andrés Iniesta at Chelsea. Getting Chelsea to play tiki-taka would take time and that is the one thing Chelsea managers are not afforded. There are also doubts over whether he would flourish away from Barcelona, or in another country.

Rafael Benítez 5-2

Age 51 Club Unemployed

Why he's right for Roman He has a brilliant record in Europe, having won the Uefa Cup with Valencia and the European Cup with Liverpool. The Spaniard is experienced in England and may be the man to get the best out of Fernando Torres, who flourished under him at Anfield.

Why he's wrong for Roman He failed to make an impact at Internazionale, who were the Italian and European champions, while he is not popular among Chelsea fans after his time at Liverpool. Benítez is not an attacking coach, either.

Fabio Capello 7-1

Age 65 Club Unemployed

Why he's right for Roman League titles at Real Madrid, Roma, Juventus and Milan, where he also won the European Cup in 1994. He would also be well known to the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, who played under him for England.

Why he's wrong for Roman He has become unpopular in this country after his troubled spell in charge of England. He is also largely a defensive coach and Abramovich is desperate for Chelsea to play exciting football. He has also struggled to master the language.

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