Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has done a U-turn on his initial Mauricio Pochettino stance as the main alternative to first-choice Graham Potter has been identified.
The Blues are trying to end their quest for a new manager rather quickly after Thomas Tuchel's sacking was made public on Wednesday morning, hours after the Dinamo Zagreb embarrassment in the UEFA Champions League. football.london understands that the loss in Croatia wasn't the main factor in explaining the decision as things going on behind the scene ultimately led to the German's downfall. A statement from the Club reads: "Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with head coach Thomas Tuchel.
"On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea's history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here. As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the Club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition.
READ MORE: Brighton drop major Graham Potter hint amid Todd Boehly's Chelsea sacking of Thomas Tuchel
"Chelsea's coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach.
"There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made."
football.london understands that an announcement for first-choice candidate Potter is now imminent after a 'verbal agreement' has been reached between Boehly and his representatives. Tuchel's soon-to-be confirmed successor has been spotted heading back to Sussex to say his goodbyes.
It's very unlikely that this deal will now fall through, but it's football, and you just never know. It was initially understood that free agent Pochettino would be the one turned to in case an alternative was required.
However, there has been no direct talks with his representatives, and instead, Boehly has U-turned on his initial contingency plan as a certain coach on the continent is more likely at this point to be appointed if Potter weren't to be in the frame.
Sky Sports, amongst others, have reported that the new Chelsea ownership structure has held talks with Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim, known as the 'young Mourinho,' as he is being seriously considered as the main back-up.
What's next for Pochettino amid this latest blow? Sevilla's Julen Lopetegui's position in Spain is under severe strain, and one more loss could see a change happen at the top. The Sun have reported that the current free agent has been contacted by the Andalusians as they themselves start to put plans into place.
Chelsea fans- Would you have welcomed Mauricio Pochettino if he was to have been appointed by Todd Boehly? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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