The Hard Tackle lists three candidates to replace Graham Potter, who has left Chelsea after a series of disappointing results.
Graham Potter joined Chelsea only a month into the new season after Todd Boehly sanctioned the arguably senseless sacking of Thomas Tuchel. Boehly had thus put the Englishman in a difficult situation, especially considering the summer signings might not necessarily have suited his system.
Things went from bad to worse as Potter did not have a prolific striker at his disposal. And while Boehly sanctioned several January signings, Chelsea’s squad composition lacked balance. So it was hardly surprising that the Blues were unable to string together a significant winning run.
While Potter was at fault for failing to preside over a large squad, his man-management ability also left much to be desired. So different factors contributed to the 47-year-old’s demise as the Chelsea boss, with Boehly also reserving part of the blame.
Nonetheless, the West London giants need to scour the market for a replacement for Potter. Frank Lampard has returned to Stamford Bridge as the caretaker manager for the remainder of the season. In the meantime, as Chelsea’s search continues, The Hard Tackle zeroes in on three ideal candidates to take the managerial hot seat that will come with lofty expectations.
Julian Nagelsmann
Our list begins with arguably the most sought-after manager in the world. He has recently become a free agent after losing his job as the Bayern Munich boss during the recent international break. We are, of course, talking about Julian Nagelsmann.
The German tactician has been hot property since his days as the TSG Hoffenheim manager. And after rising in stature at RB Leipzig, he moved to Bayern Munich. But while the youngster made his market at the Allianz Arena, he could not stay there for the long haul.
Now unemployed, the 35-year-old has become the subject of interest from several top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. But Chelsea should look to usurp Tottenham and Real Madrid to find a long-term managerial solution.
The former Bayern Munich boss will bring fresh ideas to the table that can take the Premier League by storm. And if Todd Boehly gives him the opportunity to shape the Chelsea squad in his mould, Nagelsmann can guide the Blues to an illustrious period in the coming years.
Luis Enrique
We move on to another popular manager in the market, albeit one who will unlikely join Real Madrid in his career. But he, like Julian Nagelsmann, is a free agent who is up for grabs right now. The latest candidate is Luis Enrique.
The former Barcelona manager is out of a job since failing to inspire Spain to a memorable campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But despite a sub-par run in Qatar, Enrique’s stock remains as high as ever. And recent reports have linked him with clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham.
But the 52-year-old is reportedly the front-runner to secure the Chelsea job. With Europe’s best clubs chasing Nagelsmann heading into the season’s final stretch, Enrique becomes the next most eligible managerial candidate.
The Spaniard prefers a possession-based system that can bring the best out of the players in the Chelsea squad. With the Blues loaded with wingers and midfielders, Enrique can galvanise the group. And with Chelsea reportedly looking to conduct his interview, the two parties might soon come together.
Mauricio Pochettino
Our list ends with another manager who features on the radars of Tottenham and Real Madrid. And like the other two candidates, he is out of work and looking to land his next big job. We are talking about Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine tactician is a popular name in the Premier League after heralding the rise of Tottenham Hotspur. And the North London club became a top-four regular during his productive stint. Tottenham even reached the UEFA Champions League final, although trophies eluded them.
Pochettino finally tasted success during his short spell with Paris Saint-Germain. But failure to deliver the UEFA Champions League was his undoing at Parc des Princes. However, Pochettino’s stock remains high despite leaving PSG with untapped potential. He is now a priority target for Real Madrid and Tottenham.
But Chelsea should look to beat Tottenham and Real Madrid, and for a good reason. That is because Pochettino knows the Premier League inside out and can set his team up accordingly. With the Blues needing some inspiration to turn things around, the 51-year-old is an option worth considering.
