Paul Merson not convinced by Chelsea rumours linking them with 51-year-old manager

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Paul Merson is not convinced by rumours linking Chelsea with Mauricio Pochettino.

Graham Potter is still in his role as the Blues head coach as he prepares his side to face Leeds United this weekend in the Premier League.

However, there’s plenty of speculation flying around about his future and the potential for a new managerial appointment at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino, 51, is a high-profile manager who’s been linked with the Chelsea position.

90min claimed last month that the Blues hierarchy made an initial approach for the Argentine boss, which was turned down.

Merson thinks that Potter’s job may be on the line during next week’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund, which they trail 1-0 on aggregate from the first leg.

If Potter does leave, he’s got serious doubts about Pochettino being his replacement due to the Tottenham connections.

“In my opinion, Graham Potter’s future will be decided on Tuesday after the game against Dortmund. It’s the only competition the Blues are in right now. Who will replace him? People say Pochettino might. But he used to manage Tottenham Hotspur and that could make him a no-go,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

Pochettino is out of work since exiting Paris Saint-Germain last year.

He’s most recognised for his time in charge at Spurs, where he averaged 1.84 points during 293 matches in charge.

One negative mark against his name is that he could never get Spurs over the line for silverware, so Chelsea fans will be wary of that if speculation in him intensifies.

Of course, the Spurs and Chelsea rivalry could be one obstacle. It didn’t stop Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte, though.

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