CHELSEA are back in the market for another new manager following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino last night.
It’s a familiar situation for owner Todd Boehly, having only appointed Poch 11 months ago with Graham Potter and Frank Lampard failing to impress in the dugout.
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Despite the familiarity, it’s somewhat of a surprise to see Pochettino leave, given the flourishing finish to the campaign which saw them secure a Europa League spot and sixth place finish.
And some of the Chelsea players have taken to social media to share their surprise at the events that have unfolded.
That mutual parting saw Poch’s Chelsea record end at 26 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats in his 51 matches at the helm.
The early money was on ROBERTO DE ZERBI but it’s been persistent for KIERAN MCKENNA and he now joins the former boss at the top of the betting.
McKenna has guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the top flight but it’s his style of play which has been even more eye-catching.
It’s clear he’s destined for the top given the race reviews he’s received. Is he ready for that just now or would he want a stab at the Premier League with this Ipswich side?
Only time will tell but it’s clear he has huge support from punters and reports suggest he’s very much in the frame.
He’s now 9/4 with Betfair alongside De Zerbi, who revealed over the weekend that the Manchester United game would be his final one in charge of the Seagulls as he seeks a new opportunity.
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He’d revealed that no job offers had arrived, though reports since suggest talks have been held with a club as he eyes a return ahead of the new season.
RUBEN AMORIM has been tipped for every Premier League job that has become available in recent weeks and is next at 7/1.
While THOMAS FRANK (10/1) is an interesting contender, particularly given his recent links with a potential move to Manchester United.
Frank has done a terrific job at Brentford but you wonder if he’s taken them as far as he can and a 16th place – sandwiched between Everton and Nottingham Forest who were both deducted points – was rather disappointing last time out.
Former Blues boss THOMAS TUCHEL (11/1) is on the move this summer having failed to agree terms to remain at Bayern to continue and it’s believed the Premier League is amongst his top destinations.
He overseen 35 Premier League wins in 63 games in his first spell in charge, guiding the club from ninth to fourth when he first took over before also landing a sensational Champions League win.
Many of the club’s supporters weren’t happy he wasn’t kept around and a sense of ‘unfinished business’ could well tempt the German back but it’s understood there’s little chance of that happening.
Girona boss Michel Sanchez is 20/1 with Hansi Flick, Sebastian Hoeness and Vincent Kompany all at 22/1.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Odds have been slashed to 9/4 from 9/1 on Kieran McKenna to be the next Chelsea manager, making him the new joint-favourite alongside Roberto De Zerbi.
“Ruben Amorim follows behind at 7/1, with Thomas Frank 10/1 and former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel 11/1.
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