EXCL: Pochettino getting closer, Effect it can have on Mount, Harry Kane chances, Nagelsmann story, Frozen funds, Plus more!
The Ben Jacobs Chelsea column!
Chelsea hope to move relatively fast in appointing a new manager and it is fair to call Mauricio Pochettino the firm favourite now.
I am writing this week’s column on Sunday lunch and up until this point Chelsea insiders have always stressed the search to replace Graham Potter has been an open race. But with three primary names under consideration, and Pochettino talks going well last week, the feeling is if all goes according to plan Chelsea will be able to make a hire pretty quick.
Julian Nagelsmann was never the preferred candidate. Both he, and Luis Enrique, were genuine contenders, but both are now out of the race. As I have said many times, fit doesn't just mean 'top coach' and that's why Chelsea have taken their time.
The story behind Nagelsmann’s withdrawal has two sides. Those close to the ex-Bayern boss say he wasn’t sold on the vision having received what is termed an ‘inconsistent’ picture of it during talks. Sources also stress the hiring process wasn’t structured as Nagelsmann had hoped, which can be taken as code for he thought the job was his without jumping through hoops.
