Blues identify “promising alternative” if they fail to land preferred managerial choice | OneFootball

Chelsea have identified a “promising alternative” if they fail to appoint their preferred choice Kieran McKenna as the club’s next manager, according to reports.

Mauricio Pochettino’s departure was announced on Tuesday evening and the club’s search for a new manager has picked up speed in the past 24 hours.

Chelsea have identified Mckenna, who has led Ipswich to back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League as their preferred candidate, but face competition from Brighton and possibly Manchester United if they sack Erik ten Hag.

Chelsea identify “promising alternative” to McKenna

It’s been reported the Blues want to appoint a new manager in “days rather than weeks” with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart working round the clock to get an appointment sorted.

Chelsea reportedly want to push on and try and wrap up a deal for McKenna as soon as possible but The Guardian now report they have lined up a “promising alternative” if they can’t agree a deal with the 38-year-old.

Chelsea have identified Maresca as an alternative to McKenna.

The report states the Blues have reached out to Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca’s camp who is believed to have admirers within Chelsea’s recruitment team, who are fans of his tactical work.

The Guardian go on to add it remains unclear if the Italian, a former assistant of Pep Guardiola would be interested in the Stamford Bridge vacancy.

It’s believed people within Chelsea admire Maresca’s attacking, possession based style of football which saw him lead Leicester to the Championship title last season.

Chelsea are believed to want to appoint a progressive young coach who will buy into the recruitment structure led by the sporting directors.

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If Chelsea do move for Maresca it’s claimed he has a release clause of around £8m, almost double what it would cost to get McKenna out of Ipswich.

If Chelsea end up appointing either of these managers it’s hard to feel it’s anything other than a huge gamble, and massively underwhelming given the calibre of managers fans have been used to over the years