Manager Mauricio Pochettino's tenure at Chelsea will be limited to just one season. Both parties decided on Tuesday in good consultation to end the collaboration early. The big question now is: who will succeed Pochettino at Stamford Bridge? Football zone list the most important candidates for you.

Sebastian Hoeness

Until this season, Hoeness was a relatively unknown name outside German football. However, his performances at VfB Stuttgart this season have led to him being linked with a string of top clubs. Hoeness arrived in April 2023 those Swabia and managed to save the club from relegation through the play-offs, with a win over Hamburger SV.

Sebastian Hoeness guided Stuttgart to a very good second place.

This season, Hoeness has exceeded all expectations and guided Stuttgart to an impressive second place. The southern Germans even managed to collect more points than Bayern Munich. At 42 years old, Hoeness certainly fits the age profile that Chelsea seems to be looking at, but it remains to be seen whether the young German will also receive support from the supporters in West London given his status as a relatively unknown foreigner. The German branch of Sky Sports In any case, he has received reports that Hoeness prefers to stay in Stuttgart.

No trainer in the world divides opinions as much as the Special One. But regardless of what is thought of his ability to lead in modern football, owner Todd Boehly seems unlikely to ensure Mourinho begins his third spell at Chelsea this summer.

Does Chelsea dare to appoint José Mourinho for a third time?

The Blues want a young, emerging manager who can give the club an identity. Mourinho, now 61 years old, doesn't exactly fit that profile. Chelsea's board has made some astonishing decisions in recent years, meaning that a return of the experienced coach cannot be ruled out in advance. In England, however, it is assumed that Mourinho will opt for a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia.

Like Mourinho, Allegri appears to represent the old guard of managers that Chelsea are determined to distance themselves from under Boehly. The 56-year-old Italian's trophy cabinet is certainly impressive, but on the other hand, Allegri is not known as a very adventurous trainer. In addition, his second period at Juventus ended in a very bitter way.

Massimiliano Allegri has been linked with Chelsea on several occasions.

Allegri usually has a good bond with his group of players and Chelsea, where things are often restless, could use a manager who keeps things together. The now club-less Allegri was already linked to the London club when Roman Abramovich was still in power and earlier this season his name surfaced again in Chelsea circles. It remains to be seen whether he will immediately return to work as a trainer or something sabbatical is given preference.

Roberto De Zerbi

A few days before Chelsea surprised with the departure of Pochettino, Brighton & Hove Albion caused a surprise by waving off Roberto De Zerbi. And while the Italian manager had shortly before emphasized that he had no plans to do so the Seagulls to leave. Brighton have not been as impressive in the past nine months as in De Zerbi's debut season. Fatigue due to European obligations undoubtedly played a role.

Roberto De Zerbi is free now that he has decided to leave Brighton & Hove Albion.

But if Chelsea are indeed looking for an exciting identity, De Zerbi could be the right man for the sub-star. On the other hand, there is a lurking danger that the trainer from Brescia will eventually clash with Boehly and associates. He has never been one to shy away from confrontation when he is unhappy, and Chelsea's management may benefit from a more flexible manager.

Gareth Southgate

Regardless of how England do at EURO 2024, it is difficult to imagine Southgate staying on as England manager after the final tournament in Germany. It is obvious that the former defender wants to be on the field every day again after the summer. In any case, Southgate has been mentioned more than once as a possible successor to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

EURO 2024 seems to be Gareth Southgate's last trick as England coach.

Chelsea could also be in the picture for the coach of the Three Lions. Southgate always looks like a statesman on the line and the calm he radiates is something that can be used well at the moment. Especially considering the turbulent months that seem to be coming. Southgate can work well with the people above him, something that is music to Boehly's ears. There are doubts here and there about the tactical ingenuity of the English national coach, especially in top matches.

Michel

Michel has been catapulted into the spotlight after a wonderful season as coach of Girona. The Spanish club, owned by the City Football Group, was even at the top of LaLiga halfway through the year. Becoming champion is no longer an option for Daley Blind's club, but due to third place, Girona enters the Champions League for the first time in club history.

Míchel surprises friend and foe by qualifying for the Champions League with Girona.

Chelsea would be a huge step for the 48-year-old Spaniard, but the successful season at Girona speaks solely in favor of the ambitious Míchel. Girona is particularly impressive when in possession of the ball and several players have proven in the 2023/24 season that they are better than they initially thought. As a reward, participation in the billion dollar ball now awaits after the summer break.

Enzo Maresca

Led by Enzo Maresca, Leicester City survived an alarming decline at the end of the season. The Championship title was still won, making a quick return to the Premier League a fact. Tactically speaking, Maresca is an interesting option anyway. The Italian in English service was able to let the PhD student from Leicester play in different ways, which led to success at the King Power Stadium.

Enzo Maresca ensured that Leicester City returns to the Premier League.

The financial problems of theFoxes ensure that the Maresca is unlikely to say 'no' to a possible offer from Chelsea. But as with so many names in this list, he faces an uphill battle to get the supporters of the two-time Champions League winner on his side. The sometimes stiff way of playing football was not appreciated by every Leicester supporter this season.

Thomas Frank

Despite Brentford's somewhat disappointing season in the Premier League, Thomas Frank's reputation as a solid manager remains intact. Among them were the sympathetic Dane (50). the Bees a tough and close-knit team, although Ivan Toney's form before the current season shows that Frank can also get the very best out of top players. The attacker will miss a large part of this season due to a gambling scandal.

Thomas Frank has turned Brentford into a stable Premier League club.

If Chelsea want the choice for their next manager to feel truly exciting, then Frank is probably not the best person. The usually unflappable Brentford manager mainly feels like a safe choice, and in England there is the expectation that Boehly wants to appoint someone who will immediately set tongues wagging.

Kieran McKenna

Not only have McKenna's Ipswich Town achieved what was considered an unlikely promotion this season, the Tractor Boys also did that with sparkling football. The former Manchester United youth coach and assistant manager is now regarded as one of the best coaches in England, and Brighton are said to be very interested in appointing him as successor to the outgoing De Zerbi.

Kieran McKenna is 'hot' thanks to Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premier League.

But could Chelsea's search for a new manager throw a spanner in the works? It would certainly be a bold appointment the Blues seem to be heading for. But again: on the other hand, it is difficult to sell the possible arrival of the Northern Irishman to the supporters. McKenna has no previous experience as a head coach in the Premier League, making it quite a gamble.

Within seconds of Chelsea confirming Pochettino's departure on Tuesday evening, fans flooded social media to demand the return of Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked in September 2022. After leading the West Londoners to an unexpected Champions League victory in 2021, it is no surprise that Tuchel remains so popular with the supporters.

The fans want Thomas Tuchel back, but Chelsea seem to think differently.

However, does his return make sense for all parties? It is clear that Tuchel wants a say that may not be afforded to him within the current structure at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, his record is impressive and a reappointment could ensure that the negativism that has surrounded him in recent years disappears. In any case, English journalist Matt Law assures that Chelsea is not thinking about bringing Tuchel back for the time being.

Ruben Amorim

Rúben Amorim seemed to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. However, Sporting Portugal's champion coach first spoke to West Ham United, which meant the Reds ultimately chose Arne Slot. However, the Portuguese champion has no intention of letting Amorim go. “We have one of the best coaches in the world. We have him today, we had him four years ago and he will also be our coach next season,” chairman Frederico Varandas assured on Monday when the national title was celebrated with the fans.

Sporting Portugal does not seem to want to let Rúben Amorim go.

Amorim soon regretted his decision to board a plane to London for a discussion about David Moyes' succession at West Ham. “I made a mistake by making that trip,” the Sporting coach acknowledged last week at a press conference for the Portuguese captain. “The timing of this was just completely wrong. I made an error of judgment, although I did not realize it at the time. My sincere apologies to the players and the technical staff,” said the guilty Amorim, who is still on contract for two more years after this season. at Sporting.

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