Chelsea could replace Mauricio Pochettino with 'top manager' targeted by Liverpool as Xabi Alonso alternative

Chelsea could reportedly replace Mauricio Pochettino with one of Liverpool’s targets to succeed Jurgen Klopp.

Argentine Pochettino is under increasing pressure at the Stamford Bridge club after they were beaten 1-0 in the Carabao Cup final by Liverpool.

With two minutes left in extra time, Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk headed home a Kostas Tsimikas corner to ensure Klopp will win at least one trophy during his last season in charge of the club.

On the back of the result, Pochettino’s future has been questioned, with Chelsea already drawing up a list of potential replacements.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Blues have a long-standing interest in Ruben Amorim, who is the manager of Sporting Lisbon.

Amorim’s men are currently sitting second in the Portuguese league, two points behind Benfica with a game in hand.

The 39-year-old was named the Primeira Liga’s manager of the year in 2021 when he led Sporting to the league title.

Amorim was also reportedly the top candidate for the job before they hired Pochettino.

Aside from Chelsea, it has been reported Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Amorim as a potential alternative to apparent top target Xabi Alonso.

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The Reds are looking for a new manager after Klopp announced he will be leaving the club when the 23/24 season comes to a close.

Speaking after the final, Pochettino urged his players to feel the pain.

He said: “They need to feel the pain. We played for a trophy we didn't get. Now it's the same, what can you tell me to feel better? Nothing.

“We are very competitive and now we need to move forward. They [the players] need to feel the pain like us.”

Pochettino added: “They need to realise that we need to work more, do better things. We need to improve and compete in this level against a side that in the last five, six, seven years has competed for big things.

“It's about arriving here first and then feel what it means to play for a big trophy. I remember after three, four years they (Liverpool) lost the Champions League [final], they lost the Europa League [final].”