A high-profile manager who’s turned down an approach from Chelsea is now expected to accept a new job at a giant European club.
Chelsea’s search to appoint a new head coach and find Mauricio Pochettino’s successor has already led to widespread speculation in the media regarding several managers.
The Guardian has reported that Chelsea are on the search for a young, progressive head coach who is willing to buy into the club’s recruitment structure.
Hansi Flick, who’s currently out of work, is one manager name you can cross off the shortlist for Chelsea. In fact, it’s been suggested that he may soon have a job somewhere else.
Hansi Flick rejects Chelsea but is close to new position
Flick is a big name in the football world after previously managing Bayern Munich and the German national team, but it doesn’t sound like he’s heading to English football just yet.
Mundo Deportivo claimed on Wednesday that Flick has rejected a proposal from Chelsea about becoming the new manager at Stamford Bridge.
Instead, fresh claims suggests that the 59-year-old German manager could be heading to Spain.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported via X on Friday morning that Flick is “on the verge” of becoming the Barcelona manager for next season.
Blues going for young managers
From the speculation in the media, Chelsea’s hierarchy are targeting young coaches and want to be successful with this project.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, 38, and Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, 44, are two managers heavily linked with Chelsea right now. They’ve guided their respective clubs to Championship promotion this season playing an attractive brand of football, but both are yet to coach in the Premier League before.
It would have been great to see Chelsea welcome an experienced figure, like Flick, to guide this young squad of players. Instead, the Blues will be taking another punt if they go with either of the aforementioned duo.