Chelsea 'in contact' with Mauricio Pochettino - while Luis Enrique is 'axed from list'

Chelsea's extended search for their next manager has progressed to a second stage with Mauricio Pochettino set for new talks but Luis Enrique not, according to reports

Posted Thursday, April 20, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea are reportedly set for further talks with Mauricio Pochettino having cut Luis Enrique from their shortlist.

The Blues are conducting a thorough search for their next permanent manager with Frank Lampard in interim charge until the end of the season. Former Barcelona and Spain boss Enrique flew to London two weeks ago for discussions, but he's no longer a main candidate.

That's according to The Telegraph, who report ex-Spurs and PSG boss Pochettino has been put through to the second round of talks, as has Julian Nagelsmann. Other unnamed coaches have also made the cut, but Sporting's Ruben Amorim is also now viewed as an outsider like Enrique.

There's said to be no clear favourite at this stage. Nagelsmann impressed in his interview after being sacked by Bayern Munich, while Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali spoke with Pochettino before they appointed Graham Potter earlier this season.

The owners' approach has been criticised this week, with veteran defender Thiago Silva speaking out after the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday (April 18).

He told TNT Sports Brazil: "I think the first step has been made; an incorrect step, but it has been made. We can't be blaming the managers if we don't take responsibility. It's a hard period for the club, with a lot of indecision."

And Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood urged them to hurry up with their managerial hunt. "If they find a manager, they should bring a manager in, so he gets an opportunity to look at the squad, what he's got," he said.

"Let a manager come in, see them train everyday, see them play in the remaining games, they've got tough games to come. The new manager has to get used to the players. Use this time. If there is someone out there, out of a job, that they like, bring them in now."

Enrique could now be approached by Tottenham, who have also expressed an interest in him in recent weeks and have a clear path to him.