Chelsea hold talks over appointing Kieran McKenna as new manager - sources
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Chelsea hold talks over appointing Kieran McKenna as new manager - sources

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Chelsea have been in discussions with Kieran McKenna’s representatives over the past few weeks about becoming their new manager, sources have told Football Insider. 

The Blues are targeting a “young, dynamic manager”, who can implement and oversee a progressive playing style, sources say, after it was confirmed Mauricio Pochettino has left the club by mutual consent. 

McKenna is firmly on the radar of Chelsea after making a huge impact in his first managerial role at Ipswich.

Other contenders for the newly-vacant Stamford Bridge role are Roberto De Zerbi, Burnley’s Vincent Kompany, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Girona’s Michel and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness. 

Stamford Bridge chiefs will face competition if they want to make McKenna their new boss after Football Insider revealed on 20th May that Manchester United are to approach Ipswich Town about his availability after first revealing their interest in the club's former youth-team coach at the start of April.

The Tractor Boys face an uphill battle to keep hold of the 38-year-old this summer after he secured the club’s long-awaited return to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions.

Kieran McKenna could replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea

There had been plenty of speculation around Pochettino’s position at Chelsea in the months leading up to him leaving the club. 

Football Insider revealed last month the 52-year-old Argentine was under pressure after the board felt the results hadn't been good enough throughout the campaign. 

The Blues eventually finished the season in sixth place after putting a strong run together over the past few weeks. 

Talks are ongoing about the possibility of McKenna replacing Pochettino at Stamford Bridge as they look to appoint a younger manager.

The Northern Irishman has impressed during his short time in management, having recorded a 57.3 per cent win rate since taking over at Ipswich in 2021. 

(Credit: Getty Images)
(Credit: Getty Images)

De Zerbi is being eyed as another potential candidate after he recently left Brighton, while Kompany and Frank are also on the list, but they have both been linked with the Bayern Munich job. 

Maresca, meanwhile, won the Championship with Leicester, with Michel and Hoeness both securing top-four finishes with Girona and Stuttgart. 

In other news, Chelsea case now likely to be settled in Court, says ex-CEO

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