Chelsea is in the process of finding a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino. The club has a shortlist of four potential candidates and plans to announce the new appointment soon. The decision is crucial as the Blues want their new manager to have enough time to settle in before the new season starts.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea’s shortlist includes Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, and a mystery candidate yet to be revealed. The club has investigated the situation of all four managers but has not yet decided on a leading candidate.

Potential Candidates for Chelsea’s New Manager

Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, is one of the candidates being considered. Frank has done an impressive job with Brentford, leading them to a stable position in the Premier League. His tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players have caught Chelsea’s attention. Frank’s contract with Brentford includes a buy-out clause that was increased when he signed his latest contract in 2022. The amount of the buy-out clause is unknown, but it is expected to be substantial given his recent success.

Enzo Maresca, the manager of Leicester City, is also on the list. Maresca’s contract includes a buy-out provision worth around £8.5 million ($10.8 million). This amount is significantly higher than Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich Town manager, whose buy-out clause is less than half of Maresca’s. Maresca has been praised for his work at Leicester, where he has implemented a strong playing style and achieved solid results despite financial constraints.

Another candidate, Kieran McKenna, has been making waves with Ipswich Town. His lower buy-out clause makes him a more affordable option, but Chelsea must consider whether he has the experience and skills to manage a top Premier League club. McKenna, a former assistant coach at Manchester United, has shown great promise with Ipswich, leading them to impressive performances in the lower leagues.

The fourth candidate remains a mystery. Chelsea has not revealed this candidate’s identity, but it shows the club is keeping its options open and may have a surprise choice in mind. The mystery candidate could be a high-profile manager from another top European league or an up-and-coming coach with a strong track record.

Announcement Timeline and Implications

Sky Sports reports that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea’s owners, have set a deadline for making the announcement. They aim to publicly announce the new manager by the end of next week. This timeline will give the new manager as much time as possible to settle in at Stamford Bridge and start planning for the upcoming season.

Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino surprised many, especially after the team ended the season strongly. The announcement was made just two days after the last Premier League matchday. The club is moving quickly to find a replacement to ensure a smooth transition before pre-season training begins in July.

Finding the right manager is critical for Chelsea as they look to build on their recent performances and compete for top honors next season. The new manager must quickly adapt to the team, understand the club’s ambitions, and prepare the squad for the challenges ahead. The new coach will also have to deal with the high expectations from the club’s hierarchy and the fans, who are eager for success after a season of ups and downs.

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