- Chelsea talks to McKenna about manager role.
- Manchester United also wants McKenna.
- Chelsea has shortlist for new manager.
Chelsea Football Club has entered into active discussions with Kieran McKenna’s representatives regarding the possibility of the 38-year-old becoming the team’s new manager. This development comes on the heels of Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from Stamford Bridge, which was confirmed to be by mutual consent.
McKenna, who recently led Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions and a long-awaited return to the Premier League, has attracted significant attention from top clubs. His impressive leadership and coaching skills have made him a sought-after candidate for several managerial positions.
Stamford Bridge officials, however, will face stiff competition to secure McKenna’s services, as Manchester United have also expressed interest in their former youth-team coach. Manchester United’s interest in McKenna is understandable, given his successful stint with their youth team and his reputation as a promising young coach.
Chelsea has identified a shortlist of candidates to replace Pochettino and aims to finalize an appointment in the coming days. Other names in contention include Roberto De Zerbi, Vincent Kompany, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Girona’s Michel, and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness.
Sources within Chelsea indicate that the club is targeting a “young, dynamic manager” who can implement and oversee a progressive playing style. McKenna fits this profile perfectly, given his recent achievements with Ipswich and his reputation as a promising young coach.
The Tractor Boys will find it challenging to retain McKenna, whose impressive leadership has not gone unnoticed. McKenna’s success with Ipswich has made him a hot commodity in the managerial market, and it’s only a matter of time before he makes the move to a bigger club.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino could be a candidate for the England national team if Gareth Southgate steps down after Euro 2024. Pochettino, who has also expressed interest in potentially managing Manchester United if Erik ten Hag is dismissed, managed to guide Chelsea to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League despite a rocky start to the season.
This sixth-place finish ensures that Chelsea will compete in Europe next season, securing a spot in the UEFA Conference League. Their status could be elevated to the Europa League if Manchester City wins the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Pochettino’s departure from Chelsea was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. While some praised his ability to stabilize the team and secure a European spot, others criticized his tactics and player selection.
As Chelsea looks to the future, they will be hoping to find a manager who can build on Pochettino’s success and take the team to the next level. With McKenna and other top candidates in the running, the Blues will be hoping to make an appointment that will excite fans and propel the team towards success in the coming seasons.
