24 April 2023 , 10:13
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And then there were two.
The ongoing saga that is Chelsea's search for a new manager seems to be nearing an end after two of the four main candidates were taken out of the picture last week. A deal for boss Julian Nagelsmann seemed to be nearing after the club's representatives flew to Germany for talks, only for the former Bayern Munich boss to step away from negotiations over concerns as to whether he had a 'solid project' on his hands.
Talks had also previously been held with Luis Enrique, but the ex-Barcelona and Spain manager pulled out of the running on Friday. So the battle for the hot seat at Stamford Bridge now appears a straight shoot out between two names all too familiar to English football fans.
Mauricio Pochettino is the frontrunner after the notion of a return to Tottenham was dismissed by Chairman Daniel Levy. But Vincent Kompany, who has just led Burnley back to the Premier League, is also on the shortlist, having previously been touted by Pep Guardiola to replace him at Manchester City.
Negotiations will continue this week, with crunch time for a decision nearing. While Kompany is of interest, Chelsea are clear that Pochettino is their No.1 choice, despite his Spurs ties.
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The Argentine is the favourite to land the job and, amid growing confidence negotiations will result in a deal, confirmation of him becoming Graham Potter's permanent successor could come sooner rather than later.
Julian Nagelsmann has pulled out of the running (Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)The club's US owner, Todd Boehly, has refused to rush the next appointment having already parted company with Thomas Tuchel and Potter this season. But amid the club's exit from the Champions League to Real Madrid last week, and a top four finish now nigh on impossible, the pressure is on to get his next move right.
Pochettino himself is yet to speak publicly on links to Stamford Bridge, having been out of work since being sacked by PSG at the end of the 2012/22 campaign. But his familiarity with England's top flight, and London, are viewed as critical factors in Chelsea's bid to rebuild.
Kompany meanwhile, has been coy on his own future, with his Burnley side still needing one win to seal the Championship title. But the Belgian has won plaudits for overhauling the club's style of play this season, bouncing back at the first attempt following their relegation from the Premier League.