Chelsea could capitalise on Liverpool snub with Mauricio Pochettino replacement

Chelsea could yet look to replace Mauricio Pochettino this summer with Roberto De Zerbi on their list of potential successors, according to reports.

The Argentine has not yet been at the Blues for a year, but questions are being asked about his future as the west Londoners endure another season of mid-table mediocrity. Pochettino has been unable to have the desired impact with the recent 5-0 loss at Arsenal a new low.

Chelsea, so often challenging for silverware, have endured a major decline since the arrival of Todd Boehly and co. The owners have already sacked two managers in Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter with The Times claiming they want to review Pochettino’s position in the summer.

They’ve already drawn up a list of potential successors with De Zerbi on there. Chelsea have made a habit of raiding Brighton for talent, adding the likes of Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella in recent years whilst poaching some of their staff off the pitch.

De Zerbi has forged an impressive reputation for himself since arriving in England. His playing style has received huge plaudits and he led Brighton into Europe for the first time. Liverpool were heavily linked with the Italian but have now opted to pursue Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

The other two names on Chelsea’s shortlist are Ruben Amorim and Hansi Flick. Amorim was another man linked with the Reds such is the good work he’s done at Sporting Lisbon. Flick meanwhile is a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich – and remains without work.

Flick left Bayern to take charge of Germany but oversaw a poor World Cup and was sacked several months later. His efforts in Munich will make him an attractive prospect with the German having also managed big personalities in a dressing room.

Roberto De Zerbi is tipped to eventually take on a job at a major club

Pochettino has won less than 50 percent of his games in charge of Chelsea and has not had the desired impact with the club’s young squad. He worked wonders when at Tottenham, backing youth and making the north Londoners competitive with a modest budget.

Questions have been asked over his lack of silverware, although he added to that when he was at PSG. Whilst at the French side he failed to make inroads in the Champions League and was sacked as a result. Despite Chelsea’s difficult season Pochettino has faced very few questions about his future in the job.

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