After Chelsea’s disappointing defeat in the Carabao Cup final, it seems the club is already thinking about potential replacements for manager Mauricio Pochettino. According to reports, Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is at the top of Chelsea’s list.
The Blues were defeated 1-0 by Liverpool, with Virgil van Dijk scoring a header in the 118th minute. Despite the loss, Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to secure the win even with several academy players in the lineup. This defeat means that Chelsea remains without a trophy under the leadership of owner Todd Boehly, who took over the club in 2022 and has already gone through three managers: Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard.
According to the Mail, Boehly is now exploring potential replacements for Pochettino. Ruben Amorim, the Sporting Lisbon boss, is a top candidate and was already considered for the job last summer. Amorim’s Portuguese side is currently two points below the top spot in the Primeira Liga with a game in hand. If Chelsea decides to make a change, Amorim is one of several names on the shortlist.
Chelsea had high hopes for this season, especially after spending significant amounts on players like Moises Caicedo and Christopher Nkunku. However, they currently find themselves 17 points behind fourth-place Aston Villa in the Premier League. Additionally, their loss in the Carabao Cup final means they missed out on automatic qualification for the Europa Conference League. Their season now hangs on the FA Cup, with a crucial match against Leeds on Wednesday.
This defeat could spell disaster for Pochettino, who is already experiencing a strained relationship with Chelsea supporters due to his previous ties with Tottenham. After the game, he urged his players to “feel the pain” of the loss and emphasized the need for improvement and competitiveness at the highest level. Pochettino drew inspiration from Liverpool’s journey to success, highlighting the importance of belief and determination.
As Chelsea explores their options and evaluates potential replacements for Pochettino, Ruben Amorim remains a strong contender. Only time will tell if Chelsea decides to make a change, but for now, all eyes are on the FA Cup clash against Leeds. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.