Chelsea board ‘delighted’ after Enrique talks as fresh details emerge

Chelsea interim coach Bruno Salter reviews the Liverpool game

Chelsea were delighted with how talks with Luis Enrique went today, according to reports. The Spaniard is one contender to take over from Graham Potter, who was axed on Sunday night. However, his arrival at Stamford Bridge is far from guaranteed with Julian Nagelsmann posing a threat to his chances of taking the job.

Chelsea were ruthless on Sunday night, relieving Potter of his duties following a dire 2-0 Premier League defeat at home to Aston Villa.

And it’s since emerged that former Roma, Barcelona and Spain boss Enrique is a strong candidate to take over in west London.

Now, Spanish radio station Cadena Cope have claimed talks between the 52-year-old went well and the Blues hierarchy went well.

Chelsea were apparently ‘delighted’ with what Enrique had to say, with the former midfielder laying out his vision.

However, Chelsea are yet to make a final decision when it comes to hiring their next manager.

Nagelsmann is said to be Enrique’s main rival for the job, with the German also on the market following his recent departure from Bayern Munich.

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But the 35-year-old’s young age could count against him, with Chelsea keeping their options open as they look to get this appointment right.

Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked.

The Argentine previously fared well in England, working wonders at the likes of Southampton and Tottenham.

He’s another manager who is without a job at present, having left Paris Saint-Germain following his failure to win the Champions League last season.

And who Chelsea end up with remains to be seen.

Should Enrique touch down at Stamford Bridge, he’d become the third Spaniard to manage the club.

Rafa Benitez was hired as an interim replacement for Roberto Di Matteo following the Italian’s sacking back in 2012.

Yet Benitez never had the support of Chelsea fans and he never stayed for longer, despite guiding the club to Europa League glory.

Bruno Saltor become the second Spaniard to sit in the dugout after Potter’s sacking on Sunday, with the former Brighton star overseeing Tuesday night’s goalless draw with Liverpool.

Speaking after that game, the 42-year-old singled out for players for praise – despite his side’s failure to win the game.

“We left Liverpool without anything [up front]. They put their bodies on the line, I’m really happy with back three,” Saltor told BBC Sport.

“We had players on Ramadan, some back from injury. N’Golo Kante is incredible. His performances are good, he’s outstanding.

“He’s a leader with his performances.”

He added: “We created chances. We scored, offside.

“It will come to the boys because they deserve it.

“We created enough chances to win the game. It’s [a matter of] execution. The chances, the boys gave everything, they gave their heart and you can’t ask for more.

“I’m going back home to rest and focus on the next game. We will just focus on every day. The boys are giving their best.

“It’s been hard, we are very close friends [with Graham Potter]. It’s difficult to stand here without him but I’m trying my best.

“It’s difficult to enjoy this type of experience because you’re really focused on the game. I tried to help the players from the touchline as much as I could.

“After what happened on Sunday, yesterday we had a recovery session. I tried to spend time with the players and talk to them.

“I thought they gave everything. It’s been a really hard season. They’re human beings, we have to help them.”

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