Mauricio Pochettino has been tipped to replace Graham Potter as Chelsea manager by former Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo. The ex-Tottenham boss has been one of the names listed on a four man shortlist considered by the club hierarchy.
Potter's exit on Sunday evening was the second time that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have parted ways with a manager since their £4.25 billion takeover in May 2022. The next appointment will be crucial amid the Blues' disappointing season on the pitch.
Recently-axed Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and Napoli favourite Luciano Spalletti are all said to have joined Pochettino on Boehly's shortlist. It has also been reported that the club wish to interview at least five candidates for the post after acting swiftly in replacing Thomas Tuchel with Potter in September.
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Last night's goalless draw with Liverpool has only added further reason to sound out a replacement sooner rather than later. The Blues are not yet close to making an appointment but are ramping up the process with the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon.
However, Rivaldo has claimed he wouldn't be surprised if Pochettino joined the blue side of London. "Looking at Chelsea, who are a team that always wants to be fighting for domestic and European titles, I see Mauricio Pochettino's experience in English and European football being a bonus," he told Betfair.
"I would not be surprised if he were to be appointed by the Blues. He managed Tottenham for several seasons with success, despite not winning trophies, and I believe he would be prepared to embrace the challenge at a big club like Chelsea."
Pochettino managed 293 games for Tottenham between July 2014 and November 2019. Despite failing to win a trophy throughout his time in north London, the Argentine won 160 games and led the club to their first Champions League final.
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