Chelsea contact Man Utd target over Mauricio Pochettino replacement

Chelsea have identified Kieran McKenna as one of the main contenders to replace Mauricio Pochettino, whose future remains uncertain ahead of his end-of-season review.

The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are not completely convinced by Pochettino despite the club’s recent upturn in form which saw Chelsea move into the top six heading into the final day of the season.

Chelsea will secure an unexpected return to Europe if they avoid defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday, having languished in mid-table for much of the campaign.

Four consecutive wins have certainly increased Pochettino’s chances of being in the hot seat at Stamford Bridge in the new season, but The Guardian claims Chelsea are still considering a change.

Highly-rated Ipswich Town boss McKenna is an interesting figure and it is claimed Chelsea have already contacted his representatives to discuss a move to west London.

McKenna is considered one of the most exciting managers in English football, having achieved back-to-back promotions since arriving at Portman Road in 2021, taking Ipswich from League One to the Premier League.

The 38-year-old, whose playing career was cut short due to injury, spent a few years at Manchester United before landing his first managerial job at Ipswich.

And United are also said to be interested in bringing back McKenna as Erik ten Hag struggles to convince the Old Trafford hierarchy he can turn things around.

McKenna’s Ipswich finished second in the Championship this season, amassing 96 points from 46 games and suffering just six defeats during a long and grueling campaign.

Brighton have also been linked with a move for the former Man United and Tottenham youth coach and confirmed on Saturday that current boss Roberto De Zerbi is set to leave.

Pochettino has hinted he could leave Stamford Bridge on several occasions this season, but attempted to clarify his comments ahead of their final day clash against Bournemouth.

Asked about his future, the Argentine replied: “We are planning. We are working. We cannot accept some comments from me (before the match against Forest) in a negative way. I always try to be positive and trying to translate my feelings to people.

“I never said I didn’t think about the future. The plan is already there to start the pre-season. Ultimately, it’s not in my hands to be here or not to be here.

Develop

“We (the coaching staff) are not fake people. We’re not going to say we like something when we still don’t have an emotional connection.

“It’s easy for me to arrive and after the first match I start to kiss the badge. I respect people who can do that, but it’s not my nature. I want to create real feelings.

Pochettino is due to meet Chelsea directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley next week, but any final decision on the 52-year-old will be signed by ownership group Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital.

MORE: Thiago Silva concerned about ‘egos’ in Chelsea dressing room ahead of emotional outing

MORE: Troy Deeney names Man Utd star as biggest failure of season, makes surprising Chelsea statement

MORE: Thierry Henry makes his Premier League final day title prediction and names his favorite Arsenal player

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.