Chelsea have seemingly come to a big decision on the future of Graham Potter amid heightening claims for him to be sacked and with a report naming five candidates now under consideration by the Blues.
The west London side are in danger of suffering their lowest-ever league finish since 2015/16 when they finished 10th. As it stands, the Blues are currently in the same position with just 31 points from their 24 matches played.
And it all makes for grim reading for under-fire boss Potter, who now has overseen just two wins in their last 12 games. And Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Tottenham, means they have now lost three games in succession.
Assessing their latest setback, Potter feels just one thing went against his side at Spurs. However, he knows he is a man under increasing pressure and amid growing claims that he should face the sack.
Indeed, a petition calling for his removal by Chelsea has now reached an uncomfortable 19,000 signatures.
And while Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is seemingly happy to stay loyal, the screw, it seems, is starting to turn.
They now face Leeds on Saturday in what is surely a must-win game for Potter. And while a late charge into the Champions League places looks unlikely – they are currently 14 points adrift – Potter needs the win to keep the wolves from the door.
The Whites are battling relegation this season and have just one win on their travels all season. Defeat to Javi Gracia’s side would not reflect well on Potter as Leeds look for an likely Premier League double over the Blues.
As far as his future is concerned, Ben Jacobs has revealed to TEAMtalk why Boehly has no plans to remove him from his position.
That is a view also shared by another trusted reporter in Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian is adamant that Boehly has no plans to replace Potter despite the growing protests about his position.
And speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano is adamant that Chelsea are determined to give Potter more time.
“Internally at Chelsea, they feel the same; Graham Potter deserves time. This is why they are protecting him. This is still the same message after the game today.
“It’s time to support the manager, but the situation is getting intense.”
Part of Potter’s problem has been how he has managed the massive squad at his disposal. Chelsea have signed 17 players over the last two transfer windows. On the flip side, Jorginho is one of just six first-teamers to depart in that time.
It has all added to Potter’s failure to not only find his best side, but also on a perceived inability to stamp his authority on the squad.
While the matter does not appear to be drawing to a head any time soon, failure to beat Leeds on Saturday will undoubtedly intensify the pressure.
As a result, the i Paper suggests the Blues are making contingency plans in case the situation further deteriorates and the axe ultimately falls.
And they believe that, with just one win in 2023 under his belt, Potter is on ‘borrowed time’ at Stamford Bridge.
Big names queuing up to replace Potter
As a result, they have listed five candidates seemingly in contention to replace Potter as manager.
That list is headed up by former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who has been out of work since leaving Los Blancos in summer 2021.
He led Real to three Champions League titles and two LaLiga titles during his spell in charge.
Regularly linked with the likes of PSG and the France national team job, a report earlier this month suggested Chelsea could offer him a deal worth a staggering £13.1m per year.
As well as Zidane, it’s claimed Chelsea are also considering a move for Mauricio Pochettino.
As another big name out of work, Pochettino led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final. However, his appointment appears unlikely with talk of a return to Spurs this summer seemingly gathering pace.
Another manager currently out of work is Luis Enrique, having stepped down as Spain coach after the World Cup. He cut his craft with Barcelona and also led them to two LaLiga titles as well as the Champions League.
They are joined on the list by Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, who may cut ties there this summer. Having coached them since 2011, he is one of the longest-serving managers in the world game.
The list is completed by Jose Mourinho, amid growing claims he fancies a third stint in the Stamford Bridge hotseat.
The Portuguese firebrand is responsible for three of Chelsea’s five Premier League title triumphs. Currently in charge at Roma, reports claim he could leave if they fail to secure a Champions League place.
