Chelsea’s managerial situation has once again taken a precarious turn with the departure of Mauricio Pochettino after just 325 days in charge. Under the ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea has burned through three permanent managers and a staggering £1 billion. This constant turnover speaks to the instability and lack of long-term vision within the club.
Despite achieving five consecutive wins at the end of the season, Pochettino’s success was not enough to secure his position at the club. This decision raises questions about the decision-making process and the overall direction of Chelsea. Fans expressed concerns about the club becoming a “laughing stock on and off the pitch” in an open letter to Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali.
The departure of Pochettino, who seemed to be getting the best out of a squad previously branded as “£1 billion bottle jobs,” highlights the deep-rooted issues at Chelsea. It is evident that something is fundamentally wrong within the club.
This is not a new problem for Chelsea. The American-led venture capitalists who arrived in London with a promise of “long-termism” have now seen three full-time, permanent head coaches come and go in less than two years. Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter were the previous casualties before Pochettino’s departure.
The consistent turnover of managers is reminiscent of the reign of former owner Roman Abramovich, who was known for his ruthless approach to management. However, during Abramovich’s tenure, he also brought in world-class players to bolster the squad and deliver instant success. Clearlake Capital, on the other hand, has not shown the same ability to attract top talent.
The departure of Pochettino raises concerns about the future of Chelsea. If a manager who had the unequivocal backing of his players and was starting to see an upturn in performance and results can be let go, it is a worrying sign for the club. The decision to part ways with Pochettino may indicate deeper issues behind the scenes.
While Pochettino had his flaws and experienced some poor results during his tenure, including a 4-2 loss to Wolves and a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, he had begun to turn things around for Chelsea. He feared the sack after these defeats and acknowledged the need for improvement. However, injuries and an underperforming squad hindered his ability to achieve consistent success.
The search for a new manager begins, and there are several names in the running. Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Enzo Maresca, Hansi Flick, Sebastian Hoeness, Michel Sanchez, and even former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho are all potential candidates. The choice of the next manager will be crucial in determining the direction of the club.
Overall, Chelsea’s managerial situation is a cause for concern. The constant turnover of managers and lack of long-term vision within the club undermine its stability and ability to compete at the highest level. It remains to be seen who will take the helm next and whether they can bring stability and success to Chelsea.