Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Girona miracle-worker Michel as Mauricio Pochettino comes under increasing pressure to save his job.
According to AS, Chelsea have made an “important offer” to Girona boss Michel, with the west London hierarchy “not at all satisfied” with the work of Mauricio Pochettino and have set their sights on La Liga coach, trying to iron out a deal sooner rather than later.
The Blues appointed Mauricio Pochettino last summer, but he has so far failed to turnaround the club’s fortunes.
The Pensioners also lost their first chance at European football, falling to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. They had decided to go for penalties from the start of extra time, even though they appeared to have a better chance of winning in the stipulated time.
This tactic increased attention on Mauricio Pochettino, who has yet to win over Chelsea supporters fully.
Although the Blues are still in the FA Cup, there are big teams still in it. It means the league is the best route now for Chelsea if they wish to qualify for Europe, but they languish in 11th place in the Premier League with just 36 points from 36 matches.
Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino with Michel?
As such, Chelsea, who have spent over £1 billion since a Todd Boehly-led consortium took over the club in May 2022, have held talks with Girona boss Michel over a deal to replace Pochettino starting this summer.
They flew several big wigs to Spain for the meeting, where they apparently revealed their interest and admiration for the Spaniard’s splendid job at Girona.
The 48-year-old joined Girona in 2021, and achieved promotion in his first season before guiding Girona to a 10th-place finish in 2022/23.
Michel and his team have surpassed all expectations this term, as they are on track for a Champions League finish. Their form has dipped somewhat, having lost three of their last five La Liga matches, but they are still second behind Real Madrid with 62 points.
Despite the Blues best efforts, Michel is said to have turned down Chelsea’s offer. He’s in no rush to quit Girona after just a year in the top flight.
And it’s also reckoned Michel has his sights set on the Manchester City job when Pep Guardiola eventually decides to leave the Etihad Stadium.
