Graham Potter has emerged as the firm early favourite to succeed Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea’s new manager.
Tuchel was sensationally sacked by the Blues on Wednesday, just hours after a dismal 1-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League Group E opener.
Though simmering frustrations on the German’s part were evident and criticism of his decisions was growing, the choice on behalf of Todd Boehly and Chelsea’s new ownership - who have marked 100 days in charge with a major call - to abruptly end a 20-month tenure that brought Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup glory as well as three major domestic final appearances still came as a huge shock.
Potter is believed to be Chelsea’s preferred candidate to succeed Tuchel, having worked wonders at Brighton after encouraging spells in charge at Swansea and Swedish outfit Ostersund.
Other managers linked with the suddenly vacant post at Stamford Bridge include former Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino, out of work since leaving Paris Saint-Germain after 18 months in charge of the French giants in May.
Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea
Other names to figure prominently in the early betting include former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, while Atletico Madrid’s long-serving coach Diego Simeone and Juventus’ Massimiliano Allegri have also been tenatively linked, along with Southampton chief Ralph Hassenhuttl and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.
Chelsea legend John Terry is a wildcard name in the bookmakers’ initial odds, while far-out candidates include Brentford boss Thomas Frank, England manager Gareth Southgate and Brendan Rodgers, the former Chelsea coach who is currently struggling badly at Leicester.
Next Chelsea manager odds
Graham Potter - 1/2
Mauricio Pochettino - 3/1
Zinedine Zidane - 6/1
Brendan Rodgers - 14/1
Diego Simeone - 20/1
Massimiliano Allegri - 25/1
Ralph Hasenhuttl - 25/1
Roberto Martinez - 25/1
John Terry - 33/1
Thomas Frank - 50/1
Gareth Southgate - 50/1
Odds via William Hill (subject to change).
