- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea have now failed in their approach for one manager as they aim to swiftly replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
Todd Boehly and his team are understood to want to make a swift appointment, giving their new manager ample time to plan this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino’s relationship with Chelsea’s top-brass had become untenable, hence their decision to part ways.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and departing Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi appear to be among the front-runners, but Chelsea are also looking further afield.
Yesterday it was shared that the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick wouldn’t be interested in the job.
And now TBR Football understands that Chelsea have failed with an approach for Bologna’s Thiago Motta, as he has already agreed to take charge of Juventus.
TBR can now reveal that intermediaries working on behalf of Chelsea touched base with Motta’s representatives this week – but were informed they were too late.
Bologna manager Thiago Motta rejects Chelsea chance after agreeing Juventus move
The former Barcelona player is ready to commit to Juventus after a fine season with Bologna, placing him as ‘one of the best’ young managers on the continent.
Thiago Motta was considered by Liverpool before they instead moved for Arne Slot, and was also on Barcelona’s list of options should they part ways with Xavi Hernandez.
However, TBR understands that Motta is ready to join Juventus, even though Bologna are set to seal a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Motta’s arrival at Juventus will be confirmed later this week once the final match day of the Serie A concludes.
Of course, that leaves Chelsea still scouring for their next manager, an opportunity that now seems to have been snubbed by many.
Should Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, who reportedly won’t sign a new deal with his current club, be appointed then it would represent a big risk.
McKenna is evidently one of the best young minds in football, but would need an adaptation period at a ‘top’ club.
And whilst it might be a step too far to call this Chelsea hierarchy ‘impatient’, they believe their squad is ready for success right now.
All that being said, Fabrizio Romano has just explained whether Antonio Conte could once again become an option for Chelsea.