Premier League heavyweights Chelsea might look to appoint Roberto Mancini as their next manager if they sack Mauricio Pochettino.
According to a report by Calcio Napoli 24, Roberto Mancini is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are scouring the market for a manager amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Mauricio Pochettino. And the former Manchester City boss has emerged as a target.
Roberto Mancini is one of the greatest modern-day managers. A reasonably productive forward during his professional career, the 59-year-old represented four clubs, with his longest stint coming with Sampdoria. He also won 13 trophies at the club level while finishing third at the FIFA World Cup with Italy.
Mancini entered the managerial world in 2001, taking charge of Fiorentina. While he won the Coppa Italia with Fiorentina and Lazio (his next club), he rose to prominence during his first spell with Inter Milan, lifting seven trophies in just four years. Mancini’s next challenge came with Manchester City, where he enjoyed tremendous success.
The Citizens ended their long league drought by winning the Premier League title in the 2011/12 season. Manchester City also won two other trophies under Roberto Mancini before he moved elsewhere. Since then, the Italian tactician has done well in most assignments and guided Italy to UEFA Euro 2020 before taking charge of the Saudi Arabian national side last year.
Despite his shock decision, Mancini’s stock remains high, with Chelsea considering appointing him as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement. The Argentine tactician only arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer but has failed to galvanise the squad. The Blues remain as they were last term despite the heavy summer investment.
So, it is hardly surprising that speculation surrounding Pochettino has grown. Meanwhile, several candidates, including Michel, have emerged on Chelsea’s radar, with Roberto Mancini emerging as the latest managerial target. But poaching him from the Saudi Arabian national side might be a tall order.
The 59-year-old has only been with the Middle East nation’s team for a year and might not want to abandon the project midway. So, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can land the former Manchester City manager if they sack Pochettino.
He has to be better than what we got.