ARSENAL legend Paul Merson believes Brendan Rodgers is the perfect man to take over at Chelsea.
The Blues sacked Graham Potter on Sunday evening, just hours after Rodgers’ four-year stint at the King Power Stadium was brought to an end.
A host of names are being linked with the Chelsea job including ex-Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann, Spurs hero Mauricio Pochettino, and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
But Gunners icon Merson feels Rodgers – who won Leicester the first FA Cup in their history two years ago – is the ideal candidate.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I would like to see Brendan Rodgers in at Chelsea. Either Rodgers or Mauricio Pochettino, who would have to get off to a flyer at Stamford Bridge given his previous allegiances with Tottenham. If he lost his first two games, there would be mayhem.
“I’m a big Brendan Rodgers fan. Unfortunately, things have gone horribly wrong at Leicester.
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“In football it all comes down to timing, and let’s be honest, if Leicester were where Brighton are now, everyone would be calling for Rodgers to go to Chelsea.
“Rodgers ticks every box; he plays on the front foot, he started his coaching career at Chelsea and knows the club.
“But the timing of the Chelsea job coming up this time hasn’t worked in his favour, with him getting the sack at Leicester four hours before Potter was relieved of his duties.
“Chelsea fans will question why they should turn to a manager who has just been sacked by Leicester, but if you look at the all-round picture, Rodgers is a good manager who has worked at top clubs like Liverpool and Celtic, won trophies at Leicester and put them on the brink of Champions League qualification. I just think Rodgers is the one.”
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Merson also took aim at Potter following his dismal seven-month stint at Stamford Bridge.
The former Brighton boss arrived at Chelsea with the club in sixth place following Thomas Tuchel’s departure.
But since then they have dropped to 11th, despite shelling out another £300millon in the January transfer window.
He added: “The writing was on the wall for Graham Potter after the defeat to Aston Villa. I’m a big fan of Potter, but even I lost patience with him on Saturday.
“He had the best right wing-back in the world playing at right centre-back [Reece James]. People talk about footballing visions but, for me, when you open your eyes you should see common sense, and that means playing your best players in their best positions.
“Playing Aston Villa at home, Chelsea have to go and take the game to them, but it was like Potter’s first game in charge and he had never seen them play before.
“The sacking had to come; this is Chelsea. When Potter first got the job he said there were a lot of positives after a defeat. You may be able to say that at Brighton, but when Chelsea Football Club lose at home there are no positives.
“After Chelsea lost to Aston Villa he was at it again, saying there were a lot of positives in the game. I’m afraid you just can’t say that as Chelsea manager.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
