Chelsea are once again in search of a new manager after Mauricio Pochettino left the club by mutual consent following just one season at Stamford Bridge.
Despite a rocky start to the season, the Argentine managed to lead Chelsea to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. The team also finished as runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
So, who could be next? Here’s a look at some of the early contenders. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!
Ruben Amorim
Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, 39, was rumored to be heading to Liverpool this summer. His reputation has soared after guiding Sporting to their first top-flight title in 19 years in 2021. Chelsea have had a long-term interest in him, and numerous European clubs highly rate him.
Hansi Flick
The German, 59, is among the early favorites with some bookmakers. Flick is available and ready to return to management after being sacked by Germany in September 2023. He previously won 70 of his 86 games in charge of Bayern Munich from November 2019 to June 2021, leading the team to a treble of the domestic league and cup, and the Champions League in the 2019-20 season.
Vincent Kompany
Chelsea have reportedly expressed interest in Burnley boss Vincent Kompany. Despite Burnley’s recent relegation, the Belgian impressed by guiding the Clarets to promotion the season before last. Bayern Munich has also shown interest in him.
Kieran McKenna
At 38, McKenna will be one of the favorites after leading Ipswich to Premier League promotion this season. The former Manchester United coach is known for his impressive, free-flowing football with Ipswich and is of interest to Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho
The 61-year-old has been linked with a third spell as Chelsea’s manager, a move that many fans would welcome, although it seems unlikely. Mourinho is out of work after being fired by Roma earlier this season. He won three Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Chelsea, adding to the numerous honors he achieved with Porto, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.
Julian Nagelsmann
The former Bayern Munich boss, 36, took over as Germany manager last September, but his contract only runs until July 2024, making him available after this summer’s European Championships. He was a favorite to take over Chelsea last summer before the club chose a different direction.
Michel Sanchez
The Girona boss, 48, would be a less conventional choice but has impressed by leading his team to Champions League qualification. Sanchez has been with Girona since 2021 and is also mentioned as a potential replacement for Xavi at Barcelona.
Thomas Tuchel
A highly-rated manager and a legend at Stamford Bridge for winning the Champions League in 2021, Tuchel left his job at Bayern Munich despite recent efforts to keep him. Although a return to Chelsea seems improbable, anything is possible.
Roberto de Zerbi
Another ex-Brighton manager heading to Chelsea? It’s not out of the question. The 44-year-old Italian resigned as Brighton’s boss at the end of this season. De Zerbi guided Brighton to sixth place the season before last, qualifying for European competition for the first time, and to ninth place in the most recent season. He has been linked with numerous top jobs but stated he had no role lined up as of Sunday.