Chelsea have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for Mauricio Pochettino with Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi under consideration.
The pressure is mounting on Pochettino following a disappointing debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, with the west Londoners 11th in the Premier League table and 19 points adrift of the Champions League places.
Chelsea’s lack of progress comes despite around £1bn of investment under owner Todd Boehly, including £440m spent on new signings during the current campaign.
The Guardian are reporting that Chelsea intend to wait until the end of the season before making a decision on Pochettino’s future, but have began assessing potential successors.
Sporting head coach Amorim is again on Chelsea’s radar having been considered before the appointment of Pochettino. The 39-year-old led the Portuguese side to a first Primeira Liga title in 19 years in 2021 and has guided Sporting to the top of the division again this season.
Liverpool are also interested in Amorim as an alternative to leading target Xabi Alonso. The Reds also like Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is again on Chelsea’s shortlist.
De Zerbi this week spoke of his frustration at Brighton’s failure to adequately replace players last summer and could leave the Seagulls at the end of the season. The Italian led Brighton to a top-six finish and into Europe for the first time last season and also has admirers at Manchester United.
No imminent decision is expected on Pochettino and he has ‘not lost a youthful dressing room’ at Chelsea. The club are keen for continuity following a period of heavy change under the current ownership.
