Chelsea interest in McKenna makes no sense, Blues must back Pochettino | OneFootball

Chelsea interest in McKenna makes no sense, Blues must back Pochettino | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Football Today

Football Today

·20 May 2024

Chelsea interest in McKenna makes no sense, Blues must back Pochettino

Article image:Chelsea interest in McKenna makes no sense, Blues must back Pochettino

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna to replace Mauricio Pochettino this summer, with the Argentine’s future still up in the air despite a terrific end to the season.

Pochettino is still unsure whether he will stay at the club, with an end-of-the-year review scheduled to determine his fate. He has backing within the club’s hierarchy, but a departure remains a possibility.


OneFootball Videos


Calls for change at Chelsea are understandable. Pochettino’s basic tactics underwhelmed at the beginning of the season, and the Blues dropped points in games they should have won.

The 4-2 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in February and the draws against Sheffield United and Burnley were low points. The team reached rock bottom during the 5-0 mullering against Arsenal.

However, Chelsea turned things around towards the end of the season, losing only one of their 15 final league games.

Pochettino has also shown that he is capable of adapting to modern tactics, using the inverted full-back model popularised by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Inheriting a squad in 12th and lacking experience in crucial positions, Pochettino navigated a challenging campaign admirably.

He instilled a clear tactical identity in a young group, securing a respectable sixth-place finish.

Injuries hampered their progress, and questions remain over some summer signings. However, Pochettino’s ability to maximise a team in transition shouldn’t be overlooked.

With a full pre-season and targeted reinforcements, Pochettino could guide Chelsea back into the Champions League.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager has earned the right to stay at Chelsea and build upon a promising first season.

Article image:Chelsea interest in McKenna makes no sense, Blues must back Pochettino

The rumoured interest in McKenna should be met with caution. While his achievements at Ipswich are commendable, the Blues need Premier League experience at the helm.

McKenna has excelled in the Championship. The 38-year-old’s potential is undeniable, but the relentless pressure of the Premier League is a different beast.

Disrupting Pochettino’s momentum for an unproven option at such a crucial juncture would be a needless gamble.

Chelsea have a talented young squad with Champions League aspirations, and they all reportedly love their current manager.

The Blues must focus on backing Pochettino with the necessary resources. After many managerial changes over the past two years, Chelsea need stability.

View publisher imprint