Thomas Tuchel could be in with the chance of a quick return to Premier League management as pressure ramps up on managers throughout the league.
With eight matches before the winter World Cup break for teams in European competition, there is a lot that could still happen to the table. And with momentum during these weeks key, plenty could change in the next month.
Teams that are struggling also have the incentive to make managerial decisions during the six weeks away from domestic football with extra time to get started for any new candidates. Although it would not be perfect, it is perhaps a better time to make changes than the winter schedule would usually permit.
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Near the top of the list for under-pressure managers is Steven Gerrard, with rumours that the Aston Villa boss could be the next manager to leave his job. Chelsea compounded the issues on him after a Mason Mount double brought Graham Potter a fifth consecutive win as manager. Although Chelsea were largely outplayed and had their goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank, the loss for Villa makes it just two wins in the last 14 with only seven goals scored this season.
As an ambitious club with a well-sized budget, Villa have reportedly placed Tuchel on their shortlist should Gerrard be removed from his post. There were also links with Nottingham Forest, but the Premier League newcomers handed Steve Cooper a new contract last week.
Tuchel has been out of a job since Todd Boehly and the new co-owners made the decision to sack him just six games into the league season. Having done such a stellar job in Europe and turning the fortunes around from his arrival, Tuchel is a man in demand and already has a lot of interest with RB Leipzig looking at him before appointing Marco Rose and Bayer Leverkusen also of interest.
According to the Telegraph Mauricio Pochettino, someone Chelsea themselves reportedly had as a backup for Potter, is the first name on the list at Villa, with Tuchel also a target. They also reported last week that the 49-year-old would be open to managing England should Gareth Southgate's position become available after the World Cup. Tuchel has reportedly already turned down two Premier League sides and teams across Europe.
Chelsea supporters would be gutted to see him managing a rival, but there are no sackings at the top of the table seemingly imminent. A man with Tuchel's record will have a long list of suitors in European football to compete with Villa, making it a tough one to sell.
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