Mauricio Pochettino’s sacking has sent shockwaves through the football world, raising questions about the next Chelsea manager. Despite being in the bottom half of the Premier League for the majority of the season, the Argentine managed a respectable sixth-placed finish.
However, that performance was not enough and he was relieved of his duties by owner Todd Boehly and the board, who have now formulated a strategy in their pursuit of their top two managerial targets. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who they are and what the Blues’ approach could be.
Ruben Amorim still in the mix to be the next Chelsea manager
Amorim was not among the top candidates whose names were floated upon Pochettino’s departure from Chelsea. The 39-year-old Sporting CP manager, who just guided his team to the Portuguese league title, has long been on the Blues’ radar, who have reportedly amped up their efforts to make him the next Chelsea manager.
Amorim’s Sporting will take on FC Porto in the Portuguese cup final on Sunday, May 27, with opposite number Sergio Conceicao of Porto also being one of the names suggested to Chelsea by super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Having been in charge at Sporting since 2020, Ruben Amorim has won two Primeira Liga titles as well as two Taca da Liga cups. Now would be an ideal time for him to take the step up to a more challenging league.
Scheduled interviews with Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca
Chelsea have always been known to have a well-rounded approach when it comes to transfers and recruitment in general. Even in their hunt for a new manager, the Blues have multiple candidates on their shortlist. Along with Amorim, they are also reportedly targeting Ipswich Town’s McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, as well as Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca to be the next Chelsea manager.
Premier League rivals Manchester United could have a say in Chelsea’s pursuit of McKenna, though. The Red Devils, who themselves have a managerial dilemma to sort out with Erik ten Hag, could be in the market for the Irishman should the Dutchman leave. However, as per reports from Football.London, McKenna would prefer a move to United over Chelsea.
The pursuit of Maresca looks likelier to be over the line, but his fit for the Blues’ squad has come under scrutiny. Despite being comfortably on top by Christmas, Leicester City faced somewhat of a collapse but held on to win the EFL Championship. He has also shown reluctance to use younger players in his teams, something which would go directly against the west Londoners’ policy.
Conclusion
Chelsea will have to move quick and be decisive in order to get a quality manager to replace the void left behind after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from the club. Considering the squad is very young, they will need a manager who can develop the players well, while also maintaining a good environment in the dressing room. However, time is ticking and the options are limited.
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