Chatelet Theatre, Paris, France - October 17, 2022. Former player and manager Zinedine Zidane presents the Ballon d'Or award.
Chelsea would be keen on a move for Zinedine Zidane should they decide to sack Graham Potter, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Pochettino’s rejection
The Premier League manager is currently under a huge amount of pressure having won just two out of his last 14 top-flight games, form which sees his side 11 points away from the Champions League qualification places.
Technical director Christopher Vivell reportedly held a crisis meeting with the Blues boss earlier this week to discuss what’s been going wrong, but nonetheless, the hierarchy have still been thinking about potential successors.
Mauricio Pochettino recently rejected the opportunity to take over at Stamford Bridge as he wasn’t keen on the project at hand, though it appears a new target has now emerged on their radar.
The Latest: Chelsea eyeing Zidane
According to Football Insider, Chelsea’s board members are ‘keen’ on Zidane and would consider appointing him should Potter be relieved of his duties.
Sources claim that the SW6 outfit view the 50-year-old’s status and success as a ‘perfect fit’ for the younger members of the squad, though ‘at this stage’, no official approach has been made.
Chelsea fans: Would you be happy with Zidane?
Yes, 100%!
No, avoid him!
The Verdict: Perfect candidate?
Zidane has been dubbed a ‘genius’ by BT Sport’s Steve McManaman, and looking at his managerial record, he would be the ideal candidate to take charge at Chelsea.
The Frenchman had an excellent reign at Real Madrid, winning 174, drawing 53 and losing just 36 of his 263 games in charge, averaging 2.19 points per match (Transfermarkt).
The Marseille native’s preferred formation is an attack-minded 4-3-3, which has served him well throughout his career in the dugout with 13 trophies to his name, and should help players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.
Finally, Zidane is a free agent, so no compensation would need to be paid to secure his services, making him, on paper, a fantastic option for the Blues.
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