Joe Cole reveals his ambitious pick for next Chelsea manager and Rio Ferdinand laughed off the idea

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has named his pick for Graham Potter’s managerial successor at Stamford Bridge ahead of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.

Potter, who succeeded Thomas Tuchel last September, was axed from Chelsea last month after only six months in charge of the Premier League club.

Frank Lampard was appointed as Chelsea caretaker manager after Potter’s sacking and has lost all four matches in charge since his return to Stamford Bridge.

A second-half brace from Rodrygo in the second-leg quarter-final clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday ensured Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti previously managed Chelsea and lifted a Premier League title and an FA Cup during his successful spell at the Blues.

Cole, who was part of Ancelotti’s squad at Chelsea, admitted that he would be keen to see the 63-year-old Italian make a sensational return to Stamford Bridge.

“I love Carlo,” he told BT Sport.

“He was actually one I thought could be on the list to come back here.”

Cole added: “If you ever want a manager to soothe a club and to just rebuild it... he might fancy the challenge.”

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand laughed off the idea of Ancelotti leaving Madrid for Chelsea, which prompted Cole to hilariously admit that he was “clutching” at straws.

“I’m clutching [at straws] here, I’m clutching,” he said with a laugh.

“Carlo, please come home!”

Former Chelsea and Everton manager Ancelotti has led Madrid to a La Liga title and a Champions League trophy during his second spell with Los Blancos.

Ancelotti has been linked with the Chelsea role in recent weeks after the sacking of Potter, but Nagelsmann and Enrique are considered to be the favourites to become the club’s next manager.

Reigning Champions League holders Madrid will now face the winner of Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the club competition.

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