Mauricio Pochettino has officially left Chelsea, meaning the Blues are in the market for a new manager. So who could be the new boss at Stamford Bridge? The Chelsea Chronicle brings you rumours, the current favourite and more.
The news officially broke on Tuesday night that Mauricio Pochettino would be departing via mutual consent from Chelsea after just one season at the helm of Stamford Bridge.
The decision was one to be questioned, given the end-of-season resurgence, but ultimately the Chelsea owners didn’t believe the Argentine was the right man to lead the first-team squad moving forward.
So, this ultimately means a new Chelsea manager is needed. So who could it be? The Chelsea Chronicle explores all options.
Who could be Chelsea’s next manager?
We initially had a look at every manager linked with replacing Pochettino at Chelsea, but after the sacking has been confirmed, there are the candidates definitely in the mix to add to the list.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim is a highly sought-after manager on the market right now. He looked destined for the Premier League this season, with Liverpool, however after Arne Slot’s announcement – he could instead move to Stamford Bridge.
He guided Sporting to their first top-flight title in 19 years in 2021 – so could he be the one to restore the trophy-winning flory days back to Chelsea? The feeling is at the moment they’re not quite sure.
Roberto De Zerbi
This one arguably makes the most sense. The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager announced his shock departure from the Seagulls, which falls right in line with Chelsea parting ways with Poch.
The 44-year-old has done wonders on the South Coast, earning interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Chelsea being one of them.
Hansi Flick
A serial winner, Hansi Flick could be in contention for a role at Chelsea. Flick could be ready to return to management following his sacking as Germany boss in September of last year.
When we say serial winner, we mean serial winner. Flick won the treble with Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season, and also only lost or drew 16 times out of 70 games in as little as 20 months,
Kieran McKenna
This is an interesting one to watch develop, given Kieran McKenna’s meteoric rise. After guiding Ipswich Town to the Premier League this season after back-to-back promotions, he’s attracting interest from big clubs.
Julian Nagelsmann
When Chelsea went for Pochetinno, they ultimately missed the boat on Julian Nagelsmann. He took over from Flick as Germany’s boss, but after Euro 2024 is available to speak to link up with a club. A Premier League move would interest him, so could Chelsea be that side?
Enzo Maresca
Leicester Boss Enzo Maresca has done wonders for the Foxes this season, earning them a place back in England’s top flight. He has been considered, despite inexperience, but would it be too risky of a move?
Sebastian Hoeness
As we reported, Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness is among the list of managers considered by Chelsea to fill their vacant position.
It is understood that some at Chelsea are ‘big fans’ of the style of play that Hoeness has implemented at Stuttgart. As a result, it led them to finish second in the German top division this season and above third-placed giants Bayern Munich.
Michel Sanchez
Michel has done absolute wonders at Girona this season which has made his case to be hired for a bigger job at the end of the campaign. It was reported back in March that Chelsea had made an offer to him to replace Pochettino already.
Thomas Tuchel
Could Thomas Tuchel return to the Bridge? Improbable, but not impossible. The ex-Blue is out of a job after leaving Bayern, so is a name flirted with a return to Cobham.
Jose Mourinho
Similarly, Jose Mourinho’s name has cropped up, however, we wouldn’t read too much into this.
Who is the favourite to become the next Chelsea manager?
At the moment, it appears to be Roberto De Zerbi who looks like the favourite to become Chelsea manager.
The Argentine’s Brighton departure lines up all too perfectly with Pochetinno’s, and with De Zerbi a profile Chelsea have been keen on for some time – it would make sense.
Let’s see what develops in the coming weeks, but right now it could be a straight Argentinian swap at Chelsea.