By Toby Cudworth
Chelsea will consider appointing Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna this summer should Mauricio Pochettino depart Stamford Bridge, a new report has revealed.
McKenna, formerly on the coaching staff of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, has overseen back-to-back promotions to take Ipswich from League One to the Premier League, earning a reputation as one the game's brightest young managers.
Things haven't been quite so rosey for Pochettino at Chelsea, with his first season at the club blighted by injuries, below-par performances and a poor rapport with the club's supporters, but victory on the final day of the Premier League season could see the Blues leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into fifth.
That would guarantee Chelsea a place in next season's Europa League, which many would argue to be a successful campaign given the aforementioned circumstances and high volume of player turnover.
Nevertheless, Pochettino has cast doubt over his long-term future at Chelsea, with a meeting scheduled at the end of the season to evaluate his performance and things behind the scenes, and The Guardian write that McKenna has been identified as a potential successor should a parting of the ways come to pass.
Chelsea are said to be 'intrigued' by McKenna's progress at Portman Road, with contact already established with his representatives over a potential move. Brighton & Hove Albion have also been linked to McKenna following the surprise departure of Roberto De Zerbi, who will leave his post as manager following Sunday's clash with Manchester United.
Supporters remain divided over Pochettino, who signed a two-year contract when taking over last July with the option of a further year.
Chelsea have been marooned in mid-table for most of the season - often following up a good result with a lacklustre defensive performance - but business has picked up in 2024, sending the club sky-rocketing up the table.
The Blues have picked up 25 points from the last possible 36 - a run that puts them third in the Premier League form table behind title-chasing Manchester City and Arsenal.
The form of Cole Palmer has also been an extraordinary high point for the club. The 22-year-old was recently crowned the Premier League's Young Player of the Season, after a breakthrough campaign that has yielded 22 goals and ten assists in 33 appearances.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Chelsea linked with shock appointment should Mauricio Pochettino leave.
