Chelsea identified two potential candidates to replace their current head coach Mauricio Pochettino as the Blues are having an underwhelming season despite spending a fortune in the 2023 summer window.
Portuguese side Sporting C.P’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto de Zerbi are the two coaches the Blues will target should the decision to part ways with Pochettino be implemented.
Following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brentford, the pressure is mounting once again on the Argentine manager at Stamford Bridge. Despite facing a team with three consecutive defeats, the Blues failed to secure a victory, leading to sections of the fanbase expressing their discontent with X-rated chants directed at Pochettino and co-owner Todd Boehly.
"Yes, I've been told but I did not hear, to be honest," Pochettino said when asked about the chants at full-time.
"That is why it is difficult for me to understand. I don't know. I need to believe what you are telling me but it is normal. We were losing the game 2-1 and it's about to express their frustration and we are responsible. I am responsible. I am the head coach."
With a mixed run of results, Pochettino's future at the club has become uncertain, raising doubts about whether the 52-year-old will remain in charge for the next season.
The Carabao Cup final loss to an injury-hit Liverpool side last month further weakened Pochettino's position. Chelsea's hopes of securing European football now hinge on their success in the FA Cup, where they are set to face Leicester City in the quarter-finals.
The board's support for Pochettino reportedly depends heavily on whether Chelsea secure European football next season. Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future, reports from The Guardian suggested that Boehly and Clearlake Capital have shortlisted Amorim and De Zerbi as potential replacements.
Amorim was previously considered by Chelsea following Graham Potter's departure last year, while De Zerbi is reportedly on Liverpool's shortlist to succeed Jurgen Klopp. The Reds are also considering the Portuguese, who is on track to guide Sporting CP to the Portuguese title this season.
With at least 12 games remaining in the 2023/24 season, Pochettino still has time to salvage his position and secure another season at Chelsea. However, failure to qualify for Europe could significantly undermine his chances of retaining the backing of the board.