A former-Premier League manager has apparently rejected an offer from Chelsea to replace current head coach Graham Potter. Is Mauricio Pochettino the right man for the Blues job?
A Chelsea defeat to Southampton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League is not as uncommon as you might think. The Saints last managed victory on Fulham Road three and a half years ago in 2019. The away side won 2-0 thanks to goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond, whilst the Blues were under the tutelage of CFC legend Frank Lampard.
We know Lampard’s stint as Chelsea chief was for from ideal, and would have hopefully ended better for the fan base. He stayed for over a year after the aforementioned baffling result. But Potter won’t be given similar sympathy from the fans, even if he is offered further time to create his own winning style by supremo Todd Boehly.
Though the manner in which Potter’s team lose is as alarming as any other modern Blues era. When they are victorious, which is rare, they never blow opponents away. Reports have the Englishman’s role as safe until he has at least conducted a full preseason and possibly an entire campaign. If unacceptable match outcomes continue this season, I think Boehly will make a u-turn on the club’s apparent position.
Meanwhile it feels fairly believable, even obvious, that the west London outfit shall be devising a list of potential candidates to take over from the ex-Ostersunds, Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion head coach. Why wouldn’t they?
Ex-Premier League manager Mauricio Pochettino rejects Chelsea’s offer for him to replace Graham Potter
With respect to actually contacting prospective managers, I am not sure that will be the case. I am also unsure if forms of tapping up are actually legal or ethical. Nevertheless, a meal here or a phone call there in order to gauge temperature is natural in business, too.
On that subject, The Pride of London’s FanSided affiliate 90min suggests that high profile former Tottenham Hotspur gaffer Mauricio Pochettino has declined the chance to succeed Potter at the CFC helm. The claim comes irrespective of the post not being vacant.
"90min understands that some within Chelsea’s hierarchy have huge concerns about the club’s form and do not share the same belief as Boehly that Potter can turn the club around.Boehly is also believed to have been considering whether Potter does need replacing, but one thing he is unwilling to do is proceed with changes before a plan is already in place.appointing Pochettino was an option being considered by Chelsea at the highest levels. However, initial, yet serious, enquiries suggest the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is not ready to take up the challenge at Stamford Bridge.Pochettino is open to return to management, but it’s understood any move he does choose to make must be under the right conditions. Sources indicate that Chelsea are not ticking the boxes for the Argentinian at present."