So if it is to be Luis Enrique, what are Chelsea waiting for? If, as reports suggest, Roman Abramovich has already identified the successor to Antonio Conte, and he is available, act now. Conte is unhappy, the club is unhappy, Enrique is free. Why delay?
Surely Abramovich cannot want another torturous end to another torturous managerial relationship, the slow crawl to separation, filled with a simmering brew of dissatisfaction and resentment?
Experience suggests Chelsea do not have the players for a crisis, either. If the manager goes lame, they follow. And the likelihood of Conte's departure in the summer must be the worst-kept secret in football.