Chelsea’s search for a new manager has hit an early roadblock, with Brighton & Hove Albion emerging as front-runners in the race for Kieran McKenna, according to the Times.
The Blues had identified McKenna as a leading candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
However, Brighton will reportedly make a formal approach to Ipswich Town for the 38-year-old. They want him to succeed Roberto De Zerbi and are confident he will choose them.
McKenna’s stock has skyrocketed following back-to-back promotions with Ipswich.
The Seagulls are reportedly willing to meet his personal demands and will offer a £6 million compensation fee to Ipswich.
Chelsea will find it difficult to appoint McKenna, who also has interest from former club Manchester United.
The upcoming managerial merry-go-round promises to be intriguing. Chelsea must act decisively to land their preferred candidate.
Chelsea’s managerial shortlist includes Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Girona’s Michel and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, and it remains unclear who the top candidate for the job is.
McKenna blow could be a blessing in disguise
Missing out on McKenna is a blow for the board, but some Chelsea fans may see it as a blessing in disguise.
He has never managed in the Premier League, and questions linger about his ability to adapt to the ruthless top-flight environment.
Chelsea’s recent gamble on an unproven manager in Graham Potter backfired spectacularly.
Potter enjoyed success at Brighton but struggled under the immense expectations at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues can’t afford another gamble. Setting their sights on a more established manager is the wiser course of action.
