Chelsea reportedly contacted Mauricio Pochettino earlier this week after sacking Thomas Tuchel, but Graham Potter was always the first choice target to become the next person in the manager’s dugout at Stamford Bridge.
Blues fans had to bid farewell to German coach Tuchel this week, who’s very popular at the club after helping to win the Champions League in 2021.
Unfortunately, Chelsea’s new ownership have opted for a change of direction, so relieved 49-year-old Tuchel of his duties.
The London club have at least moved fast by confirming 47-year-old Potter is his replacement.
It’s been claimed Chelsea had to pay £21million in compensation to grab Potter and his coaching staff away from Premier League rivals Brighton mid-season.
Chelsea contacted Pochettino
According to The Athletic, Chelsea’s new head coach Potter was a “clear first choice” for the club in their quick search for a Tuchel replacement.
It is understood Blues chairman Todd Boehly was already on the phone with Brighton within half an hour of Tuchel’s departure being confirmed.
Interestingly, the report does say Chelsea did also make contact with available manager Pochettino.
Pochettino, 50, is currently out of work after leaving French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine coach previously enjoyed a successful spell in English football with Tottenham, developing an exciting brand of football and nurturing some great young players. He did fail to win silverware with Spurs, though.
Jamie Carragher recently suggested Pochettino is the ideal replacement for Tuchel in West London.
However, the Blues hierarchy have decided to put their faith in Englishman Potter, who is taking on the biggest challenge of his managerial career to date.
Appointing Pochettino may have been a safer bet from Chelsea, but it feels like a lot of the fanbase are happy to see the club take the risk with Potter.
Chelsea’s new coach is unproven when operating with the biggest clubs in Europe. His work with Brighton on a much stricter budget in the last few years has made people take note of him, though.
It’s going to be interesting to see where high-profile managers Pochettino and Tuchel end up next.
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