Paul Merson has encouraged Todd Boehly to end Frank Lampard's interim tenure and appoint a permanent manager immediately. The 44-year-old was named caretaker boss earlier last month while Chelsea continued their search for a new head coach, who would take over in the summer.
Julian Nagelsmann emerged as an early favourite to fill the vacancy at Stamford Bridge however, after talks broke down, the 35-year-old later distanced himself from contention. Luis Enrique was also heavily linked with the job in west London but, after reportedly making several demands, he too dropped out of the race.
Carlo Ancelotti was name-checked though he ruled himself out of proceedings – not once but twice. Since the day Graham Potter was sacked, Mauricio Pochettino has been an outsider until recently; according to The Times, the former Tottenham boss is now at the top of the Blues' shortlist.
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The report states that Pochettino has held 'a series of positive talks' with senior figures at Chelsea this week, making himself an 'extremely strong candidate' for the position. However, despite the 51-year-old's plausible work in the past, Merson does not believe that he's well equipped to succeed in west London.
Nor does the former Arsenal midfielder think that Lampard is either, claiming that the interim boss should be replaced immediately. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said: "I could get the Frank one for the Champions League that’s all they were playing for but they’re out of that now.
"No disrespect to Frank but they need to get the new manager in now to give him four or five weeks with this team see who the bad eggs are and the ones the manager doesn’t want.
"He’s going to be coming in July 1 or whenever it is and it’s not enough time. He wants to get this done so when he comes back at pre-season there’s 22 or 23.
"Say to Todd Boehly to get rid of these ones whatever it takes to pay them off I don’t want them in my squad, this is the 22 go and get me a striker and get me a goalkeeper and we’ll go from there.
"Something has to be done now and that’s no disrespect to Frank. He was brought in for the Champions League. You’ve got to get rid of these players."
Then, when quizzed on Pochettino's future, Merson spelled out exactly why Chelsea shouldn't go for the Argentine. He added: "Suddenly I hear Pochettino.
"I like him but this is Tottenham. The man’s got to understand, he’s American. That’s like a Yankees going to play for the Mets it doesn’t happen. It shouldn’t happen."
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