Shock name emerges as 'leading candidate' to become new Chelsea manager

A shock name has reportedly emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.

After just one season, Pochettino’s reign as Chelsea boss ended on Tuesday evening when it was confirmed that he had left the club by mutual consent.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint Germain boss endured a largely tough season as Chelsea struggled to live up to the expectations.

However, the Blues looked like they were turning a corner as they ended the 23/24 Premier League season with five straight victories.

Now, Chelsea will be looking for their third permanent manager in just two years.

So far, the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim, Thomas Frank and Thomas Tuchel have all been linked with the vacancy.

However, there is a shock candidate who Chelsea could be targeting as their new boss.

As reported by The Guardian, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has emerged as one of the leading contenders to replace Pochettino.

The report stated: “McKenna, who inspired Ipswich’s astonishing promotion to the Premier League, has emerged as one of the leading contenders.

“Brighton want the 38-year-old to replace Roberto De Zerbi but Chelsea have been speaking to his representatives for a number of weeks. It is understood Chelsea’s interest has slowed Brighton’s attempts to secure a deal for McKenna.”

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McKenna previously worked as one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaches at Manchester United before taking over at Ipswich in December 2021.

The former midfielder led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Championship then to the Premier League.

On Tuesday night, McKenna beat the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta after being named the League Managers Association's manager of the year.

He said: “This award is one of the most humbling and proudest moments of my life.

“It's the best thing in the world and I've had good experience as a first-team coach, but to be a manager in the Premier League and go up against great managers is going to be a great challenge and something I can't wait for.”