Pochettino sack: Chelsea already looking at replacements

Tom Weber

• Updated: 27 Feb 2024 09:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea chiefs have begun looking at potential replacements for Mauricio Pochettino, according to a report.

The Argentine is under significant pressure following his side's embarrassing loss to a Liverpool team stacked with academy players in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Pochettino has overseen a disappointing first campaign at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea's inconsistent league form leaving them in mid-table and at risk of missing out on European football for the second season running.

While the 51-year-old is still not under any immediate threat of being sacked, this could change if the Blues fail to secure a spot in a UEFA competition for next term, according to the Daily Mail. Should Chelsea lose to Championship side Leeds in the FA Cup midweek, Pochettino's position will become increasingly untenable.

Intriguingly, the report also mentions that Chelsea higher-ups have already begun looking at potential replacements for Pochettino, with one standout candidate already crystallising.

Chelsea want Amorim, but does Amorim want Chelsea?

It is asserted that the Blues have retained their interest in Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim, who was already under consideration prior to Pochettino's hire. The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest minds in football and is the subject of perpetual links to elite clubs.

Indeed, the Portuguese is currently being heavily associated with Liverpool should they fail to land Xabi Alonso, while Man Utd are seemingly always in the mix for him too, with Erik ten Hag yet again under pressure following a loss to Fulham.

While Man Utd have also endured a difficult season, it would take a collapse of epic proportions for them to miss out on European football, something that Chelsea may not be able to offer. There is a feeling that the Blues could struggle to attract a top coach like Amorim due to their underperformance this term and the chaos at the club.