With five games still to play for Chelsea, the hierarchy are scouring the market for Liam Rosenior’s successor. But Sam Allardyce and Mauricio Pochettino’s comments prove BlueCo will be frustrated.
The latest reports suggest that while Chelsea have an incredibly long list of options shortlisted, three candidates stand out. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham boss Marco Silva, and Xabi Alonso.
A move to hire an older, more-experienced manager seems unlikely given the profiles of the three main contenders. Links with Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, and Maurizio Sarri, then, are merely that: rumours.
DISCUSS: BlueCo must leave for Chelsea to be successful again…
Or is there a future with BlueCo at Chelsea?
But BlueCo are going to be frustrated in their search for a new manager if Mauricio Pochettino and Sam Allardyce’s recent comments come to light, and it’s all Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s doing.
Mauricio Pochettino and Sam Allardyce highlight BlueCo’s fears
Speaking on The Overlap this week, Pochettino said that only two signings made during his tenure came with his input. The additions of Cole Palmer and Axel Disasi, the latter starring in his first year at Chelsea.
Chelsea made 12 signings that season. He said: “When we signed, it was already done, all the business. I was only involved when we signed Disasi, because Fofana was injured in pre-season and Cole Palmer.”
Before Pochettino’s comments, Allardyce urged a Chelsea target – Fulham’s Marco Silva – to avoid taking the Chelsea job because BlueCo are too involved and that he should only take it if something changes.
“He has to do his research, though. He has to ring the other managers and find out how difficult it is really with the owners. If you have that intrusive interference, it’s not really a job,” he said this week.
There is one clear issue. BlueCo has too much power, too much influence, and are getting too involved. No manager worth their salt, or any manager worth hiring, will want to join Chelsea for that reason.
It is why Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were hired. As soon as Maresca contested it, he was gone. Rosenior was brought in, probably, because those at BlueCo felt he would not stand in their way.
Oliver Glasner is low down on the Chelsea shortlist – but why?
Joe Cole said this week that Oliver Glasner makes sense. A bit more experienced, leaving Crystal Palace, experienced in the Premier League, and an FA Cup winner. He has a bit of everything Chelsea need.
What will Xabi Alonso go with if he gets the Chelsea job, a back three or back four? 🧐
But according to reports, Glasner is low down on Chelsea’s list. Why? Because Chelsea feel he would not be willing to work in a structure in which he is told what to do, and the hierarchy makes the signings.
BlueCo have a decision to make. Reduce their input, reduce the number of sporting directors at Stamford Bridge, and bring in a manager that appeases a frustrated fanbase and moves Chelsea forward again.
Or, bring in a lesser manager who is willing to work with BlueCo – like Rosenior – and face another poor season, risking European qualification and reducing the chance of winning silverware once again.
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