The most recent Chelsea news as the Blues are reportedly considering other managers and Mauricio Pochettino’s future is still unclear following a lackluster Premier League season.
Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino gestures from the sidelines during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Chelsea may be closely monitoring Liverpool’s managerial search, with the potential for it to influence decisions made at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds are searching for a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who made it known that he would be leaving at the end of the current campaign. Xabi Alonso, a former midfielder, was immediately regarded as the front-runner to succeed him.
His accomplishments in just his second season with Bayer Leverkusen of the Bundesliga have drawn attention. This season, his team has not lost and is getting closer to winning the title shock ahead of Bayern Munich.
However, the manager’s announcement this week that he would be sticking with the German team for at least another season dealt a blow to Liverpool. The club will now turn its attention to other targets, and Chelsea may be affected by this.
Roberto de Zerbi, the manager of Brighton, and Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting CP, are two names that have been frequently linked to a move to Anfield. Chelsea’s troubles under Mauricio Pochettino this season have reportedly piqued their interest in the two managers.
The Blues have an uphill battle ahead of them if they want to compete in Europe next season, as they currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League standings. This afternoon (Saturday), they play Burnley, who are in danger of relegation, at Stamford Bridge in an attempt to win three straight games across all competitions.
Should Chelsea’s disappointing campaign continue, Todd Boehly may have to decide whether to keep Pochettino in place. Some fans have already expressed their emotions in the stands with chants.
Chelsea may be forced to move more quickly than they would have otherwise due to Liverpool’s rumored interest in Amorim and de Zerbi, particularly if they have their eye on one of the managers in question. They might now need to defeat Liverpool in a race if they want to select either Amorim or de Zerbi.
Chelsea might have been able to afford to take their time in deciding Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge if the Reds were focusing on appointing Alonso, as they knew they could move for their targets if they decided to part ways. They might now risk missing those targets if they take their time.
Chelsea will now need to pay closer attention to Liverpool’s search for a new manager. The team is hoping that during the last few months of the season—which still has a chance to end with hardware—the form improves. Then, it is highly unlikely that Chelsea and Liverpool will be looking for a new manager at the same time.
