Yet again, the smell of smoke has drifted out of the Stamford Bridge boardroom. For the fifth time in just two years, Chelsea’s owners have chosen to pull the trigger on another manager. At least this time, Mauricio Pochettino left via mutual consent.
Pochettino’s arrival was heralded as the start of a long-term project, an operation that would require patience with one of the youngest squads in the Premier League. But just a year in, Pochettino has disappeared into the sunset after a firm handshake.
The decision was made on Tuesday morning after Pochettino, seemingly fresh and reinvigorated after steering his side to European football on the last day of the season, met with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
It was agreed that there were key differences in approach after these conversations, which also included co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, and Pochettino is in line for a hefty compensation package. His backroom staff have also departed.
The search for his successor is already underway and with the club said to be leaning toward a younger coach, Mail Sport assesses the runners and riders…
SEBASTIAN HOENESS
Renowned for his proactive approach, Sebastian Hoeness has singlehandedly dragged Stuttgart away from the Bundesliga relegation zone and into the Champions League.
He is, quite simply, one of Germany’s brightest young coaches.
This would seemingly make him a perfect fit for the Chelsea vacancy.
The club are thought to be pursuing a data-led approach in their hunt for their next manager and Hoeness, 42, is likely to excel in each of the key areas.
He has also taken charge of Bayern Munich II and Hoffenheim in Germany and been likened by some as the next Hansi Flick.
Stuttgart’s third-placed finish this season is a fitting reward for his eye-catching work in the dugout.
KIERAN McKENNA
One of the heavy favourites – and deservedly so. Kieran McKenna has performed miracles on a tight budget at Ipswich and led them to back-to-back promotions. Now standing in the Premier League, McKenna is likely to be snapped up this summer.
His teams have played sublime football during his tenure at Portman Road and McKenna also picked up invaluable experience as a first-team coach at Manchester United. The new hierarchy at Old Trafford are also said to be eyeing him up.
McKenna, 38, is another whose tactics comfortably pass the eye test and Chelsea would be foolish were they to not advance their interest beyond a simple glance.
MICHEL
He may have once dreamed of a sensational LaLiga title triumph but Michel will surely have settled for Champions League qualification at Girona this season. They can no longer end up as runners-up but deserve their superb third-placed finish.
Michel will be in contention to be named as the manager of the year, having inspired Girona to the top four in only their fourth campaign in the Spanish top-flight. He has attracted attention from across Europe and looks set to be on the move this summer.
At one stage, Michel was touted as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. There is no greater recognition of hard work in world football.
ENZO MARESCA
Strangely, Leicester’s Championship-winning season seemed to slide under the radar somewhat with Ipswich’s heroics taking centre stage instead. However, there is no denying the good job Enzo Maresca has performed at the King Power.
In just his second senior managerial stint, Maresca led Leicester to the second-tier title despite a brief wobble and did so with a controlled, dynamic play style. He wants his sides to squeeze and then throttle their opponents by dominating the ball.
These are two traits that appear well suited to the new era at Chelsea.
THOMAS FRANK
Bayern Munich are thought to have sounded out Thomas Frank’s representatives, underlining his status as one of the most highly-rated coaches in world football. Chelsea, provided they do their homework properly, must surely also consider him.
Frank is currently hard at work planning ahead of pre-season at Brentford and is keen to continue his work at the club. But despite this, the chance to step in at Stamford Bridge and coach their talented squad is a difficult opportunity to turn down.
His technical prowess places him above many of the candidates on Chelsea’s reported shortlist but he does lack experience in major continental competitions.
THOMAS TUCHEL
The answer to this one is currently no. He is out of work this summer after stepping down at Bayern Munich but his former employers look to have pursued a very different path. Thomas Tuchel himself would likely be keen on the return, though.
VINCENT KOMPANY
According to some reports, Chelsea have already expressed an interest in Vincent Kompany. Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, his stock is arguably higher than ever – with Bayern Munich also said to be interested.
He impressed after guiding the club to the top-flight and his reputation has remained intact with his side scrapping until the end of the season for their survival.
Kompany has fostered an eye-catching style of play at Turf Moor and Chelsea are thought to be weighing up his credentials. He is on the seven-strong shortlist.
