MAURICIO POCHETTINO is the new favourite to take over as Chelsea manager ahead of next season.
Pochettino now poses as the likeliest candidate after Julian Nagelsmann pulled out of the running.
The Argentinean tactician tops a three-man shortlist, which also includes Burnley’s Vincent Kompany and Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou.
Former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique has also been linked with the top job at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino would introduce a new attacking style at the Blues, just like he did at Tottenham.
That means the West Londoners would probably have to ditch their signature 3-4-3 formation, which they have been preferring since Antonio Conte’s arrival in 2016.
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Therefore, Pochettino could opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation with a focus on youth.
Kepa Arrizabalaga could start in goal with Reece James at right-back and Ben Chilwell on the other side.
Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly may have to make way at centre-back for the much younger pair of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
N’Golo Kante proved he can still go after finally returning from injury and could team up with Premier League record signing Enzo Fernandez.
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Noni Madueke could finally return to Chelsea’s line-up to cover the right wing with £88million signing Mykhailo Mudryk on the other side.
Christopher Nkunku is set to join from RB Leipzig and would feature behind the striker.
And Chelsea will have to make a major addition up front as Romelu Lukaku looks set to leave and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has failed to deliver.
Owner Todd Boehly has splashed the cash ever since taking over last summer and could do it again to land Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
But Pochettino could be keen for a reunion with Tottenham star Harry Kane, with whom he enjoyed a stunning partnership at Tottenham.
Kane may also want to join forces with Poch, as he was the one that turned the England captain into a global megastar.
However, the ex-Southampton boss would have to change the formation to a 4-3-3 as the star striker thrives with two forwards next to him.
That would see Mudryk and Nkunku playing next to Kane while Mason Mount would come in to replace Pulisic and team up with Kante as well as Fernandez in midfield.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
