Chelsea 'internally discuss' shock Pochettino replacement

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Mar 2024 11:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea bosses are considering Hansi Flick as a potential Mauricio Pochettino replacement, according to a report.

The Argentine has overseen a strange first season in charge at Stamford Bridge. While Chelsea languish in an unacceptable 11th in the Premier League, they did reach the Carabao Cup final and are into the semis of the FA Cup.

Pochettino's inconsistent and young side have been an enigma this season and their failure to perform in league play has ramped up the pressure on the coach. Given Chelsea's Financial Fair Play concerns, failure to get into Europe for the second season running could spell doom for the 52-year-old.

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While Chelsea bosses would prefer to keep the faith in the Argentine, having already sacked two permanent head coaches under Todd Boehly's reign, they are preparing for the eventuality of having to pull the trigger.

Chelsea discuss Flick

One of the options under consideration as a potential replacement is Hansi Flick, according to GIVEMESPORT. The former Bayern Munich boss has been out of a job since getting sacked by the German national team last year.

Flick has reportedly been learning Spanish as he is very keen on the soon-to-be-vacant Barcelona head coaching position, but Chelsea are nevertheless said to be 'discussing' the German as a potential option to replace Pochettino.

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"When we hear a lot of these names linked with Chelsea," journalist Ben Jacobs told the above-mentioned outlet, "it doesn't mean they're going behind Pochettino's back and offering somebody a job, which would suggest that they're done with him. It means that Chelsea are forging relationships, they're tracking people, and they're aware of who is out there in the market."

"So if they have to make a change, whether that's this summer, or whether that's in years to come, they have the right relationships, they have the right intel, they have the right data, and the people that they might bring on board are well aware of the Chelsea project as well. That's just smart."

"Within that context, Hansi Flick is one name that could come under consideration and has been spoken about internally as part of normal succession planning. There are several others that Chelsea are discussing, but not in the sense of an emergency meeting to find a replacement for Pochettino, more in case they have to make a change and to ensure that there's no managerial limbo, whilst at the same time hoping it can still work with Pochettino."