Chelsea are keen to not waste any time when it comes to appointing a new manager to replace Mauricio Pochettino. Immediately following his departure earlier this week, Enzo Maresca, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank were among the names being looked at by the Blues.
Just a few days prior to Pochettino’s exit by mutual consent, Brighton parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi which has seen the Seagulls look at similar manager targets. However, that decision has resulted in Chelsea being open to appointing another head coach previously at the Seagulls.
Sebastian Hoeness was another name mooted but both he and Girona’s Michel are said to no longer be options. As such, the final shortlist has been reduced down to the aforementioned three names originally of interest, plus one ‘mystery’ target.
As for that mystery man, legendary former manager Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel, who won the Champions League at Chelsea, have both been suggested, but it is more likely to be Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.
Fresh off winning the Portuguese league title, it is certainly a surprise the 39-year-old has not been linked to more managerial vacancies in Europe especially as he is a young and possession-based coach, which is exactly what Chelsea want from their next manager.
In terms of the confirmed targets though, Maresca and McKenna are both interested in the job but the latter also has admirers at Brighton and Manchester United. As for the current Leicester City manager, he is said to be ‘super open and super keen’ to being Pochettino’s permanent successor.
While talks have been held and questions asked, some major progress now looks set to be made in the club’s hunt for a new manager. According to London World’s Rahman Osman, it will become clear in the next 48 hours who will be Chelsea’s head coach.
Exactly what that means is unknown but it certainly suggests Todd Boehly and Co. will be making a significant call with regard to who will be taking over at Stamford Bridge.
