According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are in the market for a new manager after sacking Graham Potter, with Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino being considered as potential candidates. Nagelsmann, who was recently dismissed by Bayern Munich, is also reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid. However, Chelsea would have to pay a significant compensation package to secure his services, as he is currently on gardening leave. Despite this, Blues owner Todd Boehly is said to be willing to pay the price for the right candidate.
Potter’s departure came as a shock to Chelsea’s players, who were expecting him to be in the dugout for their upcoming Premier League match against Liverpool. They only found out about his sacking when the club announced it on social media. The club had even sent out email invitations to Potter’s pre-match press conference, which was scheduled for Monday. However, circumstances changed after Potter held talks with Boehly earlier on Sunday.
Boehly reportedly believes that Chelsea can still salvage their season by winning the Champions League. The club is currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table, having won just four of their last 16 games. Potter was well-liked by the majority of Chelsea players but had come under fire from fans due to the team’s poor form.
Bruno Saltor has taken on the role of interim head coach for Chelsea, who are set to face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The club’s announcement of Potter’s sacking suggests that he could play a role in deciding who his permanent successor will be. A statement from Chelsea read: “Graham has agreed to collaborate with the club to facilitate a smooth transition. In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter-final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”
Potter could be offered an immediate return to management at Leicester, who were reportedly interested in him before he joined Chelsea earlier this season. Meanwhile, Nagelsmann and Pochettino are both highly sought-after managers. Nagelsmann has managed three German clubs and is known for his tactical acumen, while Pochettino is best known for his time at Tottenham.
Chelsea’s search for a new manager comes after a turbulent season that has seen them struggle in both the Premier League and the Champions League. The club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, has a reputation for being impatient with managers who fail to deliver results. Since taking over the club in 2003, he has sacked 14 managers, including Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte. However, Boehly is said to be committed to finding the right candidate for the job, even if it means paying a hefty compensation package.