This seems to be the season of shocking managerial departures. A few days after Roberto de Zerbi finalized his departure from Brighton at the end of the season, a bolt from the Blues has arrived. Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea early and the suddenness of the departure raises more questions than answers.
Chelsea had a strong end to the season and the hope was that they would build on it with their young core and a manager who could handle it all. However, with the shock announcement, there is a feeling that perhaps Pochettino has another job already lined up.
While rumors of De Zerbi’s possible move to Bayern Munich were extinguished as quickly as they started, thoughts are turning to Mauricio Pochettino’s next club. Here are the top contenders-
Bayern Munich
Those Vincent Kompany rumors don’t sound believable, do they? Even if Bayern are looking for a stopgap solution before they try to match the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso next summer, a new manager who would want a long-term project is hardly a suitable stopgap solution.
Pochettino’s departure puts a big name on the market and Harry Kane’s factor is huge.
The striker has found his footing in the game under Pochettino and a return, combined with some trophy winnings, could well bookend a spell at Tottenham.
Manchester United
Close relationship with INEOS, previously linked to United, famous as a youth organizer and suddenly out of a job. The stars align perfectly for this move to happen.
The Ten Hag beat the Argentinian’s challenge two years ago to secure his United job and it could come full circle now. The Dutchman’s stock has never been low and Chelsea have used a strong second half of the season to overtake United despite having similar injury problems and a chaotic structure could be the final nail in his coffin, hammered by Pochettino.
