TWO managers are allegedly waiting in the wings to replace Mauricio Pochettino should he and Chelsea part ways this week.
The 52-year-old faced huge pressure this term after a dreadful run of form in his first season at the helm.
However, he managed to turn things around and lead Chelsea to sixth place, which will mean Europa League football should Man City win the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup final.
The ex-Tottenham boss has stated that he remains in the dark on his Stamford Bridge future despite having dinner with co-owner Todd Boehly on Friday.
He has also stressed previously that a review with the Blues chief will be an opportunity for both him and them to make a decision about the upcoming season.
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Pochettino also revealed that no end-of-season review meeting has yet been scheduled, although it is expected over the coming days.
A fresh report from The Standard claims that “there is still every chance that he can stay” but that “any lack of alignment or consensus on the detail of how Chelsea attack next term, and a change may not yet be off the table”.
And it claims that both Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna are “waiting in the wings”.
Chelsea’s owners “have kept tabs on managers they admire ever since buying the club” and this update states that they are believed to have contacted representatives from the above two coaches over recent weeks.
Even when Graham Potter was at the helm, Amorim was believed to be “among the nucleus of managers considered as future Chelsea bosses”.
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The Portuguese has been linked with an exit from Sporting Lisbon this summer and was connected with both Liverpool and West Ham.
The 39-year-old has led Sporting to the domestic title this term and hopes to complete the double when they face Porto in the cup final on Sunday.
Meanwhile, McKenna has a host of admirers after leading Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions from League One into the Premier League.
The 38-year-old former Manchester United coach’s playing style and approach has “impressed” Chelsea chiefs.
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We revealed this month how the Blues were keen on McKenna succeeding Poch should he depart.
Now this fresh update has backed up those claims as Chelsea supporters wait to discover who will be in charge come next season.
Speaking after the final day win over Bournemouth, Pochettino replied when asked about his future: “I don't know if that is going to happen or not. I don't have any idea about this.
“All I can tell you is on Friday night, Todd invited me for a dinner and it was a very nice dinner together.
“But I don't know about the rumours about the review. My staff tomorrow are flying for their holidays.
“I am going to stay in London for a few more days. I am always open. My phone is going to be on.”
Asked to expand further on the dinner, Poch added:”I am not going to explain.
“It is only for you to know that I was with him. I'm not going to talk about this.
“If I invite you along, and you and me have dinner, it's not for bad things. I don't believe that.”
