A manager who has accumulated 194 points across the last two seasons now wants to manage Chelsea.
The shock departure of Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday evening – despite five consecutive wins to end the 2023/24 campaign – has forced Todd Boehly into yet another managerial hunt at Stamford Bridge.
A number of coaches have been mentioned as potential replacements for the Argentine – such as Thiago Motta, who has since agreed to join Juventus.
Now – however – Chelsea could be close to striking an agreement of their own…
Kieran McKenna keen on Chelsea vacancy
An update from Ed Aarons – a journalist for the Guardian – now claims that Kieran McKenna of Ipswich would prefer to take the reins at Chelsea than any other club at this point.
The 38-year-old is also currently in talks to replace Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, and is an option for Manchester United if the Red Devils decide to sack Erik ten Hag.
However, Chelsea are seemingly in pole position to hire McKenna at this moment in time, with Stamford Bridge now emerging as the Londoner’s preferred destination.
Aarons wrote: “Understand that Kieran McKenna’s representatives remain in talks with Chelsea and Brighton, with the Ipswich manager thought to prefer a move to Stamford Bridge at this stage. McKenna is also on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag if he leaves.
“McKenna said to be flattered by the interest of so many Premier League clubs but wants to take time to consider his options. United – where he spent six years as a coach – remains a possibility with them set to make a call on Ten Hag after this weekend’s FA Cup final.”
As aforesaid, the Ipswich boss has remarkably accumulated 194 points across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns at Portman Road.
McKenna first guided the Tractor Boys out of League One with 98 points – scoring 101 goals that season – before navigating Ipswich into the Premier League last season with 96 points in the Championship.
Todd Boehly would be wise to hurry up
If McKenna is the man Boehly wants in west London, the American should aim to get an agreement wrapped up before Saturday’s FA Cup final.
READ MORE: How much Ipswich will demand in compensation for Kieran McKenna
As aforesaid, Manchester United could also get involved in the hunt to hire McKenna – who is a boyhood supporter of the Red Devils and previously spent six years coaching at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho, then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Therefore, Manchester United would be strong competitors for his signature, which should spark some urgency into Chelsea – the Blues must take advantage as INEOS delay a decision on Ten Hag.