Once again the smell of smoke has wafted from the Stamford Bridge boardroom. For the fifth time in just two years, Chelsea’s owners have opted to pull the trigger on another manager. At least this time Mauricio Pochettino left by mutual consent.
Pochettino’s arrival was billed as the start of a long-term project, one that would require patience for one of the youngest sides in the Premier League. But just a year later, Pochettino has disappeared into the sunset after a firm handshake.
The decision was made on Tuesday morning after Pochettino, seemingly fresh and reinvigorated after sending his side into European football on the final day of the season, met with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
It was agreed that there were significant differences in approach following these talks, which also involved co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, and Pochettino is in line for a hefty compensation package. His backroom staff has also left.
The search for his successor is already underway and with the club reportedly leaning towards a younger coach, Mailsport judges the runners and riders…
Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after just one season in charge
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is likely to be one of the leading contenders to take over
SEBASTIAN HOENESS
Sebastian Hoeness is known for his proactive approach and has single-handedly lifted Stuttgart from the Bundesliga relegation zone to the Champions League.
He is simply one of the brightest young coaches in Germany.
This would seemingly make him a perfect fit for the Chelsea vacancy.
The club are believed to be taking a data-driven approach in their search for their next manager and 42-year-old Hoeness is likely to excel in each of the key areas.
He has also taken charge of Bayern Munich II and Hoffenheim in Germany and has been compared by some to the next Hansi Flick.
Stuttgart’s third-place finish this season is a fitting reward for his remarkable work in the dugout.
Sebastian Hoeness led Stuttgart to the Champions League after a sensational campaign
KIERAN McKENNA
One of the big favorites – and rightly so. Kieran McKenna has worked wonders at Ipswich on a tight budget, leading them to successive promotions. McKenna, now in the Premier League, is likely to be picked up this summer.
His teams have played sublime football during his time at Portman Road and McKenna has also gained valuable experience as a first-team coach at Manchester United. It is also said that the new hierarchy at Old Trafford are keeping an eye on him.
McKenna, 38, is another whose tactics pass the eye test and Chelsea would be foolish not to take their interest beyond a simple glance.
McKenna will be signed this summer after leading Ipswich to the Premier League
MICHEL
He may have once dreamed of a sensational LaLiga title win, but Michel will surely have settled for Champions League qualification in Girona this season. They can no longer finish second, but deserve their wonderful third place.
Michel will be named manager of the year after inspiring Girona to the top four in just their fourth season in the Spanish top flight. He has attracted attention from all over Europe and looks set to hit the road this summer.
At one point, Michel was touted as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. There is no greater recognition for hard work in world football.
Girona boss Michel has been touted as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Man City
ENZO MARESCA
Strangely, Leicester’s Championship season seemed to fly somewhat under the radar, while Ipswich’s exploits took center stage. However, there is no denying that Enzo Maresca has done a good job at King Power.
In just his second senior managerial spell, Maresca led Leicester to a second title, despite a brief falter, and did so with a controlled, dynamic style of play. He wants his sides to squeeze and then strangle their opponents by dominating the ball.
These are two qualities that fit well with the new era at Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca won the championship title with Leicester with a controlled tactical blueprint
THOMAS FRANK
It is believed that Bayern Munich have sounded out Thomas Frank’s representatives, underscoring his status as one of the most highly regarded coaches in world football. Chelsea, provided they do their homework properly, should definitely think about him too.
Frank is currently busy planning the pre-season at Brentford and is keen to continue his work at the club. But despite this, the opportunity to step in at Stamford Bridge and coach their talented squad is a difficult one to turn down.
His technical ability puts him above many of the candidates on Chelsea’s shortlist, but he has no experience in major continental competitions.
Thomas Frank has been linked to several clubs and was asked by Bayern Munich
THOMAS TUCHEL
The answer to this is a resounding no. He is out of work this summer after resigning from Bayern Munich, but his former employers appear to have taken a very different path. Thomas Tuchel himself would also be against a return.
Thomas Tuchel may be interested in the Blues’ hot seat, but a return seems virtually impossible
VINCENT COMPANY
According to some reports, Chelsea have already shown an interest in Vincent Kompany. Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, his share is arguably higher than ever, with Bayern Munich also said to be interested.
He impressed after leading the club to the top level and his reputation has remained intact; his team scrapped until the end of the season to survive.
Kompany has developed a striking playing style at Turf Moor and Chelsea are thought to be weighing up his credentials. He is on the shortlist of seven men.
Chelsea are said to have already shown interest in Burnley boss Vincent Kompany