Potter sack talk at Chelsea gathers pace as world-class replacement tells Todd Boehly he ‘wants the job’

Graham Potter is reportedly at a growing risk of the sack at Chelsea amid claims a top-class replacement has made it clear to Todd Boehly that he would be willing to replace him in the dug-out.

The 47-year-old Englishman was appointed as Blues manager back in September, signing a five-year deal to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel. He was tempted to make the move north from Brighton – but only after reportedly receiving assurances over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

However, just a few months into the arrangement and it seems some major doubts are already creeping in. And with the Blues now going five games without a win under Potter, they already sit a worrying eight points adrift of Tottenham in fourth.

Indeed, reports in November suggested Blues co-owner Boehly was already having second thoughts over the appointment of Potter. And amid suggestions the job might just be too big for him, it was reported that four possible replacements were being considered.

And while Football Insider reports that Potter is ‘not under immediate threat’, the situation may well change if there is not a noticeable improvement in the new year.

Thankfully for Potter, it seems the break for the World Cup came at just the right time. He has not had a moment to take stock of his playing squad since taking charge, instead overseeing a hectic schedule that has seen the Blues playing twice a week.

However, Potter will hope the break in the season will have done him, and Chelsea some good.

Mauricio Pochettino makes clear his Chelsea interest

That said, the pressure will be on for the Blues to close improve when the season gets underway. Currently sat down in eighth, it is evident to Boehly that major improvements are required.

And his situation is not helped amid claims that Mauricio Pochettino has let it be known to Boehly that he is open for a return the job were it to become available.

The Argentine – widely-regarded as one of the world’s best coaches – has been without a club since leaving PSG last summer. The former Tottenham manager was reportedly under consideration by Boehly once it became apparent that Tuchel would be leaving.

In the end, though, the American opted for Potter. His impressive results and the progress achieved at the AMEX caught the America’s eye.

However, with all not going to plan, a second managerial change of the season may reportedly be on the cards.

And per reports on Football Insider, Pochettino has ‘told friends he is keen on the Chelsea job’. Furthermore, they state Pochettino has made it clear he’s ‘interested’ in Chelsea. In addition, they state the Argentine is ‘pushing for the job’ behind the scenes.

Speaking just last month, Pochettino also made clear his desire to return to management.

Management return on cards for Pochettino

“I am still so young!” Pochettino said on the BBC’s World Cup coverage.

“After Paris, we decide to wait until after the World Cup. Paris was a tough experience, a great experience, but tough. And you need to process every single thing (when making a decision).

He added: “I have a lot of respect for professionals and it’s hard for me to sell myself. That’s work for you. That routine that is generated when you are at work is created as a result of the adrenaline of day to day. You miss it.

“Now what we do is get together, zoom, eat with the family. Then we talk about the great debates that we generate. That is missed. But at the same time we do things that when you are immersed in the battle of work we cannot do. Being with family heals a lot.”

Whether Boehly decides to make another change remains to be seen. That would certainly leave Boehly open to more criticism having come under fire from Gary Neville for his transfer policy.

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