Chelsea have started identifying potential replacements for Mauricio Pochettino, according to a report.
The Blues’ difficult season continued this weekend, with a late goal from Axel Disasi saving a draw against out-of-form Brentford as the club remained in the bottom half of the Premier League.
Todd Boehly has retained faith in Pochettino despite a tough second campaign under the American’s management, but the former Tottenham boss’ future is far from certain.
While it is believed the club’s hierarchy will wait until the end of the season to assess Pochettino’s performance, they have apparently acted early to identify their next potential manager if the worst-case scenario becomes reality.
According to The guardSporting’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi are high on the club’s wish list, and both men could find themselves in the Stamford Bridge dugout next season.
Chelsea have started identifying replacements for Mauricio Pochettino, according to a report
The Blues have had another difficult season under owner Todd Boehly (photo) following the appointment of Pochettino
Both Ruben Amorim (left) and Roberto De Zerbi (right) are said to be on the club’s shortlist
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Pochettino’s appointment was seen as a fresh start for the Blues under Boehly, who had a torrid first year in charge after taking over ownership of the club from Roman Abramovic in the spring of 2022.
In his first season in charge, he sacked Thomas Tuchel and appointed Graham Potter, before he too was sacked and Frank Lampard was put in temporary charge.
It was hoped that Pochettino’s arrival would turn around the club’s fortunes after spending more than £1 billion under Boehly, but it was much the same story as his first 12 months at the helm.
It is possible that the Argentinian’s position can be saved. Reports suggest that the club is moving in the right direction under his leadership and that he still has the support of the dressing room.
It was hoped that Pochettino’s arrival at the club would improve the Blues’ fortunes
However, should the club want to make a change, Amorim and De Zerbi could be in talks to take charge and finally improve Chelsea’s fortunes.
Amorim is regarded as one of the most exciting emerging coaches in Europe, with the 39-year-old leading Sporting to the Portuguese title in 2021 and leading his side at the top of the Primeira Liga standings this season.
It is understood he is also being tracked by Liverpool as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp, along with De Zerbi.
De Zerbi could leave Brighton at the end of the season, with Liverpool and Barcelona also monitoring his situation
Amorim, meanwhile, led Sporting to the title in 2021 and keeps them top of the Primeira Liga
De Zerbi could leave Brighton at the end of the season, with Barcelona also monitoring his progress.
He has been widely praised for his work with the Seagulls, who will this week take him to the knockout rounds of a European competition for the first time in the club’s history.