Chelsea 'handed major boost in Kieran McKenna pursuit'

By Ben Sully | 22 May 2024

Chelsea reportedly receive a boost to their hopes of appointing Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as Mauricio Pochettino's successor.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is reportedly interested in becoming Chelsea's new head coach.

The Blues currently have a managerial vacancy after it was confirmed on Tuesday that Mauricio Pochettino had left Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino's one-year stay came to an end after a mutual decision was made following an end-of-season review with the club's hierarchy.

Chelsea have already been linked with a variety of names, including Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Girona's Michel.

Roberto De Zerbi has also been linked with the job, while Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the job.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna before the match on February 14, 2024 © Reuters

Chelsea receive boost in McKenna pursuit

As well as those names, Chelsea are also believed to be considering McKenna after being left impressed by his work at Portman Road.

In his first full season as Ipswich boss, McKenna led his side to a 98-point tally in League One, securing a second-placed finish and promotion to the Championship.

The Tractor Boys then repeated the feat in the second tier, collecting 96 points to seal promotion and end their 22-year wait for Premier League football.

McKenna was recently commented on his future amid the Chelsea links, insisting the speculation is only to be expected following Ipswich's back-to-back promotions.

While McKenna gave nothing away publicly, the Daily Mail are reporting that he is showing an interest in becoming the next Chelsea head coach.

The report claims the 38-year-old is keen to challenge himself at the highest level and is currently assessing his Ipswich future.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna celebrates after the match on March 29, 2024 © Reuters

McKenna attracting significant interest

McKenna's reported stance will encourage Chelsea should they decide to pursue a potential deal for the Ipswich manager.

However, they could face intense competition, with McKenna believed to be a target for both Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.

The Seagulls are currently searching for a new manager after parting ways with De Zerbi at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Man United view their former first-team coach as a potential candidate should they decide to sack Erik ten Hag following Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

McKenna is under contract with Ipswich until June 2027, but the Tractor Boys are keen to hold talks over agreeing a new deal.

However, there is little confidence that McKenna will sign a new contract amid the speculation surrounding his future.