Chelsea consider Mauricio Pochettino replacement as they admirers another Argentine manager
Chelsea are reportedly admirers of in-demand Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as pressure mounts on Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has faced scrutiny after a difficult season for the Blues as they sit 11th in the Premier League, 19 points off the top four.
Burnley inflicted the latest setback at Stamford Bridge as Vincent Kompany’s 10 men twice fought back to earn a point in a 2-2 draw. Cole Palmer was twice on target but the England starlet was once again left disappointed after Josh Cullen and Dara O’Shea found the back of the net in the second-half.
Pochettino has faced criticism throughout the campaign after enduring a difficult debut season in West London. He led Chelsea to the Carabao Cup final but suffered defeat in extra-time, although face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
Amorim led Sporting to their first Liga Portugal title in 19 years in 2020-21 and could lead them to a second success this year as they sit top of the table, ahead of rivals Benfica. The 35-year-old has been linked with Premier League jobs for several seasons following his success in Portugal but this summer, he faces the strongest speculation yet.
With the shock news of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool departure at the end of the season, he has emerged as the favourite to succeed the German after Xabi Alonso expressed his intentions of remaining with Bayer Leverkusen. The former Reds midfielder was heavily linked with the role, in light of Klopp’s announcement in January, after leading Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga.
However, fresh reports suggest that the Merseyside club could face competition from their Premier League rivals for the Portuguese tactician. Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed that those at SW6 are monitoring him should Pochettino’s tenure come to an end.
He tweeted: “Rúben #Amorim, he’s definitely a candidate for FC Liverpool in summer! At FC Barcelona, he is also highly regarded. Chelsea is monitoring him, should things not progress further with Pochettino in summer.
“Amorim favors a 3421 system with two attacking midfielders who move freely between the lines. Pedro Goncalves and Edwards, are essential for Amorim.
“Similar to Leverkusen and Inter Milan, there are often five players in the forward line as passing options, providing tremendous width in the attacking play (3-2-5). Been told his release clause is said to be €10m in summer.”
