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      How Man Utd could line up under Mauricio Pochettino with Palmer, Hakimi and Branthwaite among transfer overhaul

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be ready to pounce after Mauricio Pochettino’s shock Chelsea exit. The Argentine left Stamford Bridge following only one season in charge in West London.But Pochettino may be swiftly welcomed back to the Premier League as Erik ten Hag’s future remains in doubt.The United hierarchy have long admired the former Tottenham manager, who was pipped to the job by Ten Hag in 2022. Ten Hag will remain in charge for the FA Cup final against rivals City on the weekend but his job is far from safe. Should the Dutchman be sent on his way, Pochettino will be among the favourites to succeed Ten Hag. READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd here, SunSport looks at how they could line up under the now ex-Chelsea boss. United are in the market for a right-back and Pochettino is a big fan of Achraf Hakimi, who he signed at PSG. And he was linked with a move for highly-rated Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. England pair Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been staples in United’s defence with Andre Onana the No1 despite shaky form. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt Chelsea, Pochettino often deployed a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation which has also been used by Ten Hag. Pochettino has given young stars a chance during his time with the Blues, which would be good news for 18-year-old sensation Kobbie Mainoo. Andre Onana offers to ‘take bullets’ as he names himself among four Man Utd stars who should face criticismCole Palmer – Chelsea’s best player of the season – shined after joining from City in the summer. So Pochettino would be tempted to sign the boyhood United fan wherever he ends up next. He could fit into the No10 role at Old Trafford with Fernandes partnering Mainoo in a pivot. Going forward, both Chelsea and United have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. And Olise would compliment a front three alongside Marcus Rashford and striker Rasmus Hojlund More

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      Fuming Nicolas Jackson publicly hits out at Chelsea over Mauricio Pochettino’s shock exit

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      CHELSEA striker Nicolas Jackson has publicly shared his support for Mauricio Pochettino following the manager’s shock Stamford Bridge exit.Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday despite guiding the club to a European spot.Nicolas Jackson has shared his discontent as Pochettino’s departureCredit: GettyJackson took to Instagram to share a snap of him and PochCredit: Instagram @jackson.nj11The striker also shared a message for the managerCredit: Instagram @jackson.nj11Some players were shocked to discover the news through social media.And they have been left “devastated” as a result.Jackson, who joined Chelsea in a £32million transfer from Villarreal last summer, shared his discontent on social media following the announcement.He first posted a picture of himself and Poch captioned with two emojis of a man putting his face in his hands.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe striker followed that up with a second Instagram story caption that read: “Love you coach. Wish we could stay together more (hand-over-face emoji). “But may God continue to bless you and your family. Thanks for the advices and support, you’re a true lion and a fighter, wish you all the best (heart emoji).”Chelsea’s record signing Moises Caicedo, who joined in a £115m move from Brighton in August, also addressed Poch’s departure on social media.He wrote: “Mister! It was a pleasure (tearful emoji).Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here.

      “I wish you all the best for the future! What a person and what a coach (blue heart emoji).”The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss left Chelsea following an end-of-season review meeting.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesSporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart were there, along with co-owner Behdad Eghbali.The reason for his departure has been put down to issues “relating to the dynamics of working within a club structure”.Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
      HERE we go again.
      Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
      Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
      But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
      There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
      Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
      One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
      Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full… More

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      How Mauricio Pochettino’s record compared to Chelsea predecessors with departing boss far better than Potter and Lampard

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has become the fourth Chelsea boss to leave in just over two years but departs with better stats than his predecessors. The Argentine took over last summer when Graham Potter was sacked in September 2022. Blues legend Frank Lampard had come in as interim manager after Potter’s dismissal and just two years removed from his own sacking. Lampard took charge of 66 Premier League games during his time with Chelsea, taking 100 points with an average of 1.52 per game. In comparison, Potter had only 22 matches in the hotseat ending on 1.27 points per game. That is a joint-worse record with Glenn Hoddle, who managed 122 matches with 155 points. READ MORE IN football Pochettino leaves West London in better vain with an average of 1.66 points per game after taking 63 from the 38 he oversaw. Statistically, Chelsea best-performing manager in the Prem is Avram Grant, who replaced Jose Mourinho after his shock sacking in 2007. Grant managed 32 league games, with 74 points taken and an average of 2.31. His successor, Luiz Felipe Scolari lasted less than a season and finished on 49 points from 25 games and an average of 1.96. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJose Mourinho – the Blues’ longest-serving manager of the Prem era – had two iconic spells at Stamford Bridge. He left with three titles and a second-best finish for points per game at 2.19 after 212 matches in charge and 464 points taken. Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?Tuchel – linked with a return to Chelsea – had only 63 league fixtures with 122 points and an average of 1.94. His departure has drawn comparisons to Pochettino amid rumoured tension with Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Linked with vacant job is Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, departing Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness.Chelsea next manager oddsWho are the favourites to take over at Stamford Bridge?
      TO be next permanent Chelsea boss:
      Robert De Zerbi 9/4Sebastian Hoeness 6/1Thomas Tuchel 7/1Enzo Maresca 9/1Kieran McKenna 9/1Hansi Flick 10/1Michel Sanchez 10/1Jose Mourinho 14/1 More

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      Mauricio Pochettino’s exit shows Chelsea are beyond a laughing stock – Boehly & Co are setting a very alarming trend

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      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea after under a yearCredit: GettyOwner Todd Boehly has now burned through three permanent managers and £1billionCredit: GettyYou might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.In eight days’ time it will be exactly two years since the Clearlake Capital consortium rode into Stamford Bridge to rescue the club from possible liquidation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPochettino is the third full-time, permanent head coach to have tried and failed to work with the American-led group of venture capitalists who arrived in London preaching their motto of ‘long-termism’.Regardless of whether it was ultimately Pochettino’s decision to go, or he was ‘pushed’ by his superiors, there is clearly something fundamentally wrong at Chelsea.Two sackings and a mutual consent in less than 24 months.First Thomas Tuchel and then Graham Potter. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt was a turbulent campaign for Chelsea this seasonCredit: ReutersPochettino’s Chelsea record

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      Throw in one frustrated caretaker boss in Frank Lampard and a rabbit-in-the-headlights one match wonder in Bruno Saltor and that’s five coaches that Clearlake have ploughed through in next to no time.Thrown in Tom Glick, President of Business who went after 16 months and technical director Chris Viell who left after seven.Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?It makes former owner, the so-called ruthless Russian Roman Abramovich, come across as a dream employer. And he sacked one boss not long after winning The Double.There have been noises that all was not well in the Chelsea camp. That a good end to the season might not be enough to make up for the barnstorming finish.If Chelsea have effectively sacked the manager who enjoyed the unequivocal backing of his players and was starting to see a huge upturn in performance and results then that is sheer stupidity.You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.If, after two days of thrashing out the ifs and buts of an admittedly turbulent season, Pochettino decided enough was enough, that is way more worrying for Chelsea fans.They won’t cry over his exit. They were uneasy about his long history with hated rivals Tottenham. He himself insisted he would not ‘kiss the badge’ to win favour with them.This may have been part of his downfall. As an experienced manager with a strong personality, perhaps he wasn’t willing to kiss something else either to stay on the good side of Eghbali and sporting director Paul Winstanley.Pochettino wasn’t perfect. There have been dreadful results this season. Terrible injuries too and with his reputation for hardcore training that may have cropped up in conversation.Chelsea finished the season on Sunday toasting a fifth successive Premier League victory. It took them until December to reach that number.He himself admitted he feared the sack after crashing 4-2 at home to Wolves in February. There was the 5-0 surrender at Arsenal, a 1-0 embarrassment in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg at Championship Middlesbrough. A 4-1 thumping at Liverpool.Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
      HERE we go again.
      Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
      Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
      But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
      There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
      Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
      One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
      Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full…

      Silence from the boardroom in the most desperate moments when he needed their support.And Pochettino dropping thinly-veiled threats that ‘maybe I am not happy’ then claiming he was quoted out of context.The powers-that-be at Stamford Bridge no doubt pointed out that the start of the season was way below expectations given such an expensive assembly of players at the manager’s disposal.But when at times an entire team has been on the treatment table, Chelsea needed an ambulance driver more than a manager to get them through matches.It is hugely ironic that even Pochtettino grew fed up with pleading for ‘time’ and to ‘trust the process’ in every press conference and ended up enjoying so little of it himself.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Chelsea supporters glad to see the back of the man who in their view couldn’t quite leave Spurs behind, this is an alarming trend.Three high grade managers could not work with these guys – so just who can?Pochettino lasted 11 months at the helmCredit: GettyWho could be the next Chelsea manager?

      HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
      Kieran McKenna
      The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
      Enzo Maresca
      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
      Hansi Flick
      Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
      Sebastian Hoeness
      Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
      Michel
      Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
      Jose Mourinho
      Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top? More

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      Mauricio Pochettino set for very awkward return to Stamford Bridge less than two weeks after Chelsea exit

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO will be back at Stamford Bridge just TWO WEEKS after leaving Chelsea.The Blues announced the Argentine’s shock departure on Tuesday evening.Mauricio Pochettino is due to boss a World XI at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAChelsea legend Frank Lampard will manage the England XI on June 9Credit: GettyAnd stunned fans were quick to notice one “awkward” detail.That’s with Pochettino, 52, set to manage the World XI in Soccer Aid next month… in familiar surroundings.He will even be taking on an England side bossed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard in the charity game at the Bridge.It means two bosses with unceremonious exits from the club will clash in the annual charity match for Unicef on June 9.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESLampard’s fellow Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is in Pochettino’s squad.And supporters were dumbfounded by the Argentinian leaving so close to what should be a fun summer’s night at the Bridge.One fan posted: “I literally said surely we couldn’t sack him before that, it would be so awkward. Turns out we love awkward.”Other incredulous reactions included: “No way” … “lol”… “so awkward”… and “crazy world”.Most read in FootballWho could be the next Chelsea manager?

      HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
      Kieran McKenna
      The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
      Enzo Maresca
      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
      Hansi Flick
      Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
      Sebastian Hoeness
      Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
      Michel
      Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
      Jose Mourinho
      Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?

      Alex Scott will be a TV host for Soccer AidCredit: The Mega AgencyIt was also labelled the “final dagger” by one Chelsea supporter.Lampard and ex-Real Madrid playmaker Hazard will make their Soccer Aid debut along with Ashes icon Stuart Broad, Gladiators’ Diamond, Bobby Brazier, Sam Thompson and Erin Doherty.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesReturning sports celebs include Usain Bolt, Harry Redknapp, Jesus Perez, Jill Scott, Karen Carney, Jermain Defoe, Mo Farah, David James, Joe Cole, Tommy Fury, Gary Cahill, David Seaman, Roberto Carlos and Jack Wilshere.Amongst other “names” taking part are Robbie Williams, Roman Kemp, Martin Compston, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Paddy McGuinness, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan and Maisie Adam. Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will host ITV’s coverage.O’Leary said: “We’re one big team at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, united by a goal to help protect play for children everywhere.Buying a ticket for this year’s star-studded match will help give children a chance to grow up happy and healthy.”Whoever you support, I know it’s going to an absolutely fantastic night at Stamford Bridge”.Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
      HERE we go again.
      Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
      Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
      But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
      There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
      Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
      One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
      Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full… More

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      Chelsea fans convinced they know the moment ‘it was over’ for Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge

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      FANS think they have found the moment that Mauricio Pochettino sealed his fate as Chelsea boss.The Argentine has left Stamford Bridge after an internal review of the club’s season.Mauricio Pochettino has left his role as Chelsea managerCredit: GettyFans think Pochettino avoided shaking Todd Boehly’s hand earlier in the season – sparking suggestions his time was up back in FebruaryPochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      Pochettino was in charge at the West London outfit for just 11 months, leading the club to an FA Cup semi-final, Carabao Cup final and a sixth place league finish.And unbelievably fans think that Poch’s time with the club has been “over” since the Blues’ League Cup Wembley heartbreak in February.The 52-year-old was unable to get his side over the line after a header in the dying embers of extra-time from Virgil Van Dijk sealed a 1-0 victory for Liverpool under the arch.Supporters have pointed to a video of Pochettino seemingly snubbing a handshake with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly when he went to collect his runners-up medal that day as proof that he was always heading for the exit doors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “It was over for Pochettino after he ignored and didn’t shake Todd Boehly’s hand here.”While another added: “He already knew.”However closer inspection of the footage showed that Poch had reached out his left hand and greeted Boehly with a handshake, but was rightfully sporting a devastated look on his face following the result.Other fans online were quick to point out the mistake.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
      HERE we go again.
      Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
      Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
      But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
      There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
      Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
      One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
      Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full…

      One wrote: “Is it me or did he shake his hand using his left hand?”.And a second explained: “His left hand literally shakes his hand.”Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesIt has also been reported that Pochettino’s exit was only confirmed this week after an internal review of the club’s 2023/24 season by co-sporting director’s Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart – rubbishing the idea of his fate being sealed three months ago.Furthermore, a club statement from Chelsea confirmed that Poch had mutually agreed to leave his role as gaffer, hinting that there is no animosity between the tactician and Todd Boehly.During Pochettino’s short stint with the club he was backed to the tune of around £400m in transfer fees.And despite a turbulent start to the season, he leaves the club having lost just one of his last 15 Premier League games in charge.He is now the third permanent coach to lose his job as Chelsea boss since the Blues were bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in the summer of 2022.It’s believed that Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, Girona’s Michel, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Leicester’s Enzo Maresca are among the candidates to potentially be considered.Who could be the next Chelsea manager?HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
      Kieran McKenna
      The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
      Enzo Maresca
      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
      Hansi Flick
      Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
      Sebastian Hoeness
      Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
      Michel
      Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
      Jose Mourinho
      Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top? More

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      Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… with Pochettino gone Chelsea are back to the drawing board, again

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      HERE we go again.Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board.Mauricio Pochettino lasted just 325 days as manager of Chelsea – leading the Blues to fifth place, the Carabao Cup final and the semi-final of the FA CupCredit: APTodd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are back to the drawing board – againCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.Read More on ChelseaMaybe the availability of gaining another Brighton ‘asset’, Roberto de Zerbi, was too good an opportunity to pass up, or maybe there is a master plan that we are not yet privy to.Mauricio Pochettino was far (very far) from perfect. He made consistently baffling team selections, his substitutions seem to be planned months in advance and he has an awful propensity to throw away leads and points by getting the team crawl back into their (rather leaky) defensive shell.The Argentine, in my opinion, cost Chelsea the Carabao Cup and a place in the FA Cup final by being overly cautious and negative -‘bottling it’ as rival fans would say.The Blues were on top in both of those games for long periods but lacked the killer instinct to finish the job.Most read in FootballPochettino’s Chelsea record

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      Some blame can be laid at the feet of the players, but both performances saw clear tactical shifts and negative substitutions from Poch that cost the team.He was not necessarily the man that was eventually going to deliver titles and restore the glory days.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesBut here’s the thing Clearlake and everyone else knew when they appointed him – Poch is excellent at working with young and developing young players.Since that FA Cup semi final defeat to Man City and the embarrassing 5-0 capitulation to Arsenal within the space of a couple of days, Chelsea have won five of six games and, more importantly, something really clicked in their performances.Without Enzo Fernandez (what a piece of business that is looking, by the way), Chelsea have been playing their best football of the season and managed, somehow, to steal sixth position.The back four looked stronger, Moises Caicedo finally looked like he could be a £100million footballer one day – the irony is not lost on me – and both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Cucurella, among others, looked like they had turned a real corner,Mauricio Pochettinho leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.Cole Palmer became the jewel in the crown on Poch’s watch and Chelsea looked like a one man team for most of the season.But recent performances had us believing that one or two good signings in the summer, and some better injury luck, could see us back in the top four and competing for trophies.But now? Who knows.The only thing that would appease Chelsea fans is Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and Co grovelling at the feet of Thomas Tuchel – another man Clearlake didn’t see eye to eye with – and righting that wrong.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhether Tuchel would come back is one thing, whether a manager of his profile – ambitious and demanding – would want to work with this young and unproven squad is entirely another.One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.Who could be the next Chelsea manager?
      HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
      Kieran McKenna
      The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
      Enzo Maresca
      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
      Hansi Flick
      Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
      Sebastian Hoeness
      Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
      Michel
      Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
      Jose Mourinho
      Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top? More

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      Seven bosses who could replace Pochettino at Chelsea from bookies favourite De Zerbi to McKenna… or could it be Jose?

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      CONTRASTING names like Kieran McKenna and Jose Mourinho are on a seven-man list of possible successors to Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.The Blues announced the end of Pochettino’s 12-month reign on Tuesday night, despite five straight wins earning sixth spot in the Premier League.Mauricio Pochettino is departing Chelsea after 12 monthsCredit: GettyIpswich’s Kieran McKenna is rated a strong early contenderCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca is another manager fresh from Championship joyCredit: GettyIpswich’s promotion-winning chief McKenna was instantly mentioned, having already been linked with Manchester United and Brighton.The 38-year-old is the youngest of a mostly youthful bunch of candidates.The main exception is the “special” long-shot being talked of.That of course is 61-year-old Mourinho, who won three Prem titles in his two previous stints as Stamford Bridge manager.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ex-Red Devils and Real Madrid boss was axed from his last position, in charge of Roma, four months ago.However, SportItalia claim the Portuguese is being lined up by Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah to become sporting director.Pochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOther managers touted for the Blues’ job include Leicester City’s Championship-winning chief Enzo Maresca, 44 and Stuttgart’s 42-year-old boss Sebastian Hoeness.There’s also room on the list for two highly-rated coaches currently out of work.Most read in FootballMauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesRoberto De Zerbi, 44, might be regarded as the likelier candidate, having also been rated a potential contender for Old Trafford even before he left Brighton this week.And former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, 59, has not been in management since being axed as Germany boss in September 2023.Here’s our guide to seven men who just might be in contention for Stamford Bridge…Kieran McKennaThe former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.Roberto De ZerbiThe Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.Roberto De Zerbi is highly regarded by a string of Prem giantsCredit: GettyEnzo MarescaMaresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.Hansi FlickFlick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role, becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany.Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the BluesSebastian HoenessChelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich.Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.Sebastian Hoeness has been a big success at StuttgartCredit: GettyMichelMichel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.READ MORE SUN STORIESJose MourinhoStill adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?Ex-Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho must be rated an outsiderCredit: PA More