Two European giants 'on red alert after Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea exit'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 May 2024

Two European giants 'on red alert after Pochettino Chelsea exit'

Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly both interested in appointing Mauricio Pochettino following his departure from Chelsea.

Mauricio Pochettino's departure from Chelsea has reportedly placed Manchester United and Bayern Munich on high alert, with both clubs considering a move for the Argentine.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the 52-year-old had left Chelsea by mutual consent, and he is therefore now searching for his sixth managerial job, having previously been in charge of Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino guided the Blues to a sixth-placed finish in the 2023-24 Premier League table, securing European football for next season, but there had been huge uncertainty surrounding his future due to alleged friction with the club's board.

It has now been confirmed that Chelsea will have a new manager for next term, with an end-of-season meeting leading to Pochettino's departure.

According to the London Evening Standard, the South American's exit has put both Man United and Bayern on high alert, with the two clubs admirers of the immediately-available head coach.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on February 12, 2024 © Reuters

Man United, Bayern 'both keen on Pochettino'

Man United are yet to make a final call on Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman currently preparing his side for Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Victory at Wembley would make it domestic trophies in back-to-back seasons for the Red Devils, and it would also see them qualify for the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.

However, there is no guarantee that success in the FA Cup would keep Ten Hag in a job, as Man United posted their lowest-ever Premier League finish of eighth in 2023-24.

New minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, alongside his team, will make a decision after the clash with Man City, and a recent report claimed that Ten Hag's chances of keeping his job are '50-50'.

Pochettino was heavily linked with the Man United position before Ten Hag was appointed, and it is believed that Ratcliffe is an admirer of the Argentine.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during EFL Cup final on February 25, 2024. © Reuters

Ten Hag's future in doubt, Tuchel will leave

As for Bayern, they are definitely searching for a new manager, as Thomas Tuchel's departure has been confirmed despite fresh speculation surrounding his future.

There had been suggestions that Tuchel could reverse his initial decision to leave, which was made earlier this year, but fresh discussions were unable to see the two parties reach an agreement.

As a result, Tuchel, who remains the favourite for the Man United job, is heading out of the Allianz Arena exit door, and Pochettino has emerged as a potential replacement for him.

Pochettino has been unable to deliver a trophy during his time in English football, but he did lead Tottenham to the final of the Champions League in 2018-19.

The Argentine won three trophies during his time at PSG, meanwhile, including the Ligue 1 title, and he boasted a win rate of just over 65% while in charge of the Paris giants.