‘He’s NOT a candidate!’ – Romano drops Chelsea manager bombshell with ‘decision time soon’

Robin Bairner

• 27 May 2024 08:19 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea are slowly closing in on the manager to replace Mauricio Pochettino and has revealed one major name who is not in line to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

Romano says that Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with a string of jobs this summer, is not presently a candidate for the Chelsea job but the football transfer news expert has, however, revealed who is better positioned to land the Stamford Bridge post.

Amorim is coming off a campaign in which he led Sporting to domestic glory, but despite the hype that has built around him, the Blues are ready to ignore the 39-year-old for a very important reason.

READ MORE: Why did Chelsea sack Mauricio Pochettino?

“As things stand, Ruben Amorim is not in talks with Chelsea - my understanding is that he is not a candidate as Chelsea would prefer someone with experience of working in English football. So, despite rumours, Amorim is not holding talks over the Chelsea job,” Romano writes for the Daily Briefing.

“Kieran McKenna also looks to be out of the running now, though he’s also wanted by Brighton and they’re waiting for his decision. They want an answer from him soon as they search for a replacement for Roberto de Zerbi.

“Finally, Xavi has also been linked with the Chelsea job but again I’m not hearing anything concrete on that one. Xavi is open to opportunities after leaving Barcelona, but at the moment it’s all quiet there and I have no news on any talks taking place or being planned with Chelsea.”

Amorim was previously linked with jobs at both Liverpool and West Ham.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

Maresca favourite for Chelsea job

Romano reveals that Leicester boss Enzo Maresca appears to be in the driving seat for the role.

“The situation is that Chelsea are interested in Enzo Maresca and he’s also interested in the Chelsea job after positive contacts took place over the weekend,” he said.

“It’s now up to Chelsea - decision time is coming soon, and Leicester are waiting to see what happens there before they then decide on who to hire as a replacement.”

Chelsea want a manager who “breathes attacking football” and it appears that Maresca will be that man.