De Zerbi in frame for Chelsea job as Pochettino linked with Man Utd, Bayern
Roberto De Zerbi is the current favourite to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea manager, after the west London side parted ways with the Argentine on Tuesday night.
The club’s decision to end their working relationship with Pochettino was met with shock by many observers; the manager seemed to be popular with his players. And with Chelsea finishing the season strongly, there was a sense the club were moving in the right direction.
Kieran McKenna also fancied for Blues role
Pochettino’s exit adds to the feeling of instability around Stamford Bridge. Since American billionaire Todd Boehly took charge of Chelsea two years ago, the side have worked with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard for brief spells.
De Zerbi is currently the favourite at 11/10 to become the new Blues coach. Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna is 5/2 to take the role with former Chelsea manager Tuchel also fancied for the position at 7/1.
De Zerbi left Brighton by mutual consent last week, after a difficult season for the Italian manager.
The Seagulls suffered from a spate of injuries, with De Zerbi sometimes appearing at loggerheads with owner Tony Bloom. That’s not exactly an auspicious omen, if De Zerbi is set to take the role at Chelsea.
Poch linked with Bayern, Man Utd roles
On the other hand, De Zerbi reportedly fell out with Bloom over Brighton’s unwillingness to spend big on transfers. That presumably wouldn’t be an issue with Chelsea. The club have spent more than a billion on players during Boehly’s two years of ownership.
In any case, Pochettino’s exit could have repercussions for other Premier League clubs. Manchester United have often been linked with Pochettino; with the 52-year-old now available, and current Man Utd coach Erik ten Hag having suffered a hugely disappointing second season, could Poch be poised to take over at Old Trafford?
Perhaps, but Pochettino is also one of the two favourites to take the vacant manager’s role at Bayern Munich; Pochettino and Vincent Kompany are each currently 7/4 to take over at the Bundesliga giants.
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