Chelsea’s search for a new permanent manager looks like it might soon be coming to a conclusion, even as soon as this week.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is now being described by all sources as the firm favourite, with the expectation being he will soon be confirmed as the next Chelsea manager.
Exclusive: My day spent with Chelsea directors this weekend!
However, it’s been an up and down race, at least in terms of the majority of reports. But according to insider Ben Jacobs of CBS, the race was always open and the one who was described as being the leading candidate for many weeks, Julian Nagelsmann, was never actually the favourite.
Jacobs has been giving the background behind the process at Chelsea writing in his latest exclusive and extensive Chelsea column for Si & Dan Talk Chelsea today.
EXCL: Pochettino getting closer, Effect it can have on Mount, Harry Kane chances, Nagelsmann story, Transfer news, Frozen funds, Plus more!
The extensive @JacobsBen Chelsea column!https://t.co/3FHbTTCHmW pic.twitter.com/O8pYUMgtHs
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Also the narrative that it is Christopher Vivell leading the recruitment of a new manager and the one pushing Nagelsmann, is not true.
Jacobs said: “It is incorrect, to my understanding, that Behdad Eghbali ever ‘picked’ Nagelsmann. Both Eghbali and Todd Boehly haven’t been leading on the search, which is being driven by Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
“Similarly, lots of focus (probably too much) has centred around Stewart and Christopher Vivell having worked with Nagelsmann before at Leipzig. Naturally, both could give a strong perspective on him. And there was absolutely some Nagelsmann support from within Chelsea’s senior leadership, hence why talks progressed in the first place. But Vivell hasn’t really played a significant part in this process, and Chelsea have been sure to look carefully at a range of candidates. They know they have to get this appointment right.”
