Sport

Seven managers in the race to replace sacked Graham Potter at Chelsea: Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique

Chelsea are now on the hunt for their third manager under Todd Boehly after Graham Potter was given the boot.

Potter only left Brighton in September to replace Champions League-winner Thomas Tuchel.

Graham Potter has been sacked by Chelsea8Graham Potter has been sacked by ChelseaCredit: Alamy

But after a dismal runs of performances, that has left Chelsea in 11th, Boehly decided to give Potter his marching orders.

Owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.

“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person.

“He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.

“Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.

“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead.

“We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”

It is now back to the drawing board for American billionaire Boehly, who is set to take his time to weigh up his options for Potter’s replacement.

Here, SunSport runs down seven options, including some familiar faces.

Julian Nagelsmann

The German is without a job having been surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich and replaced by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.

Nagelsmann made his name at RB Leipzig and was hired by Bayern after Hansi Flick left to take over at Germany.

The young manager won the Bundesliga last season but was sacked this month due to off-field dillemas.

Nagelsmann is a frontrunner to take over at Chelsea, with the Stamford Bridge board said to be admirers.

Julian Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern Munich

Julian Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern Munich Credit: PA

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino is still a free agent having left PSG last year, despite winning the league title in France.

The Argentine was linked with the Chelsea job after Tuchel’s sacking and was believed to be interested in a return to London.

Although after Antonio Conte’s exit from Tottenham, Pochettino may prefer a move back to the north of the capital.

It means Boehly could be forced to act fast if he prefers to make a move for Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino is linked with both the Spurs and Chelsea job

Mauricio Pochettino is linked with both the Spurs and Chelsea job Credit: AP

Oliver Glasner

Glasner took Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022 and has been on the Premier League clubs’ radar since.

And Chelsea are believed to be among those to rate the Austrian, reportedly shortlisting him as a Potter replacement as early as January.

But again, they face competition with Spurs, who have made contact with Glasner to fill the void left by Conte.

Despite Glasner’s promise, he has less experience in the top flight as other options on the table for Chelsea.

Oliver Glasner is said to be admired by the Chelsea board

Oliver Glasner is said to be admired by the Chelsea board Credit: EPA

Brendan Rodgers

The Northern Irishman spent two years at Chelsea managing their reserves from 2006-2008 and has long been linked with taking over at Stamford Bridge.

Rodgers has now been sacked by Leicester with the Foxes second from bottom and in a real relegation scrap.

It leaves the former Celtic manager – who won two Premiership titles in Scotland – back on the managerial market.

But despite his experience in English football, Rodgers has endured a horror run in recent times.

Leicester sacked Brendan Rodgers

Leicester sacked Brendan RodgersCredit: Getty

Jose Mourinho

Mourinho is a legend at Chelsea following his two stints, where he won three league titles.

He is now at Roma, chasing Champions League qualification in his second season in Italy.

Mourinho is understood to have been open to a THIRD Chelsea spell in the past.

But his time at Manchester United and Spurs may have caused friction with fans while he has voiced his content at Roma in the past.

Jose Mourinho has been content at Roma

Jose Mourinho has been content at RomaCredit: EPA

Zinedine Zidane

The Frenchman was linked with Chelsea before Frank Lampard’s hiring in 2019 and when the Blues icon was sacked in 2021.

Zidane has had two stints managing Real Madrid, winning three Champions League trophies and two LaLiga titles.

But after leaving once more two years ago, the 1998 World Cup winner is yet to take up another role.

It has been suggested in the past that Zidane is holding out for the France role, despite FFF chief Le Graet ruling it out in the past.

Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the France job

Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the France job Credit: Splash

Luis Enrique

Enrique won two LaLiga titles and a Champions League trophy during his three years with Barca.

But he turned to international management, having two runs at the Spain job.

But following elimination in the round of 16 during the winter World Cup, Enrique left his post.

The ex-midfielder – who played for both Real Madrid and Barca – has been linked with Chelsea ever since.

Luis Enrique has been linked with the Chelsea job

Luis Enrique has been linked with the Chelsea job Credit: EPA

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