Julian Nagelsmann and Marco Silva appear to be the early candidates to replace Graham Potter at Chelsea. Following yet another loss, the Stamford Bridge club sacked Potter after just 22 league games in charge. Chelsea currently sits in 11th, and it is as close to relegation as it is the top four.
Chelsea named Bruno Saltor as the interim coach to take immediate control after Potter. However, there is still a permanent vacancy available in the Premier League. Mail Online reports that two names are immediately at the top of Todd Boehly’s list to replace the Englishman. One of those is a familiar face to the English top flight. The other is one of the hotter commodities available in coaching.
Chelsea eyeing Nagelsmann and Silva
Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is at the top of the totem pole for a number of teams, and Chelsea could be the latest to join the list. Previously, reports emerged over Tottenham’s interest in the German to take over in north London. However, Nagelsmann could find the project at Stamford Bridge more inviting. Clearly, there is no shortage of funding at Stamford Bridge. While it could not save Potter, Nagelsmann could bring his success in Germany to England.
Interestingly, Bayern opted to replace Nagelsmann with the man who lead Chelsea at the beginning of this season. Thomas Tuchel, the predecessor to Potter, is now at the helm of Bayern. He made waves in his managerial debut at the Bavarian giant with a 4-2 win in Der Klassiker over Borussia Dortmund.
In the past, Nagelsmann has said he is fond of the Premier League. “So perhaps [the Premier League is] one of the best leagues in the world, I think that’s clear,” Nagelsmann said in 2020. “Perhaps even the best league in the world.”
Or, Chelsea could look at someone that already has Premier League experience. Marco Silva, the current manager at Fulham, is a surprise candidate, according to Darren Lewis of The Mirror. It would be a quick transfer in west London, as Fulham and Chelsea are only two miles apart. A constant threat to top sides, Fulham is currently 10th in the table. However, this is on the back of three-straight losses in league play. Regardless, Fulham was a candidate for relegation this season, and instead looked to be battling for European spots.
A big name remains an option
Tottenham is the biggest competitor when it comes to hiring a manager. The London rival has been linked with Nagelsmann. Moreover, Mauricio Pochettino, who manages Tottenham for years, could return to the club.
However, Chelsea could be waiting if Nagelsmann, the club’s No. 1 option, opts for elsewhere. Pochettino brings Premier League and Champions League experience to a relatively young, but talented, squad.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Revierfoto
