‘I would rather he stay…’ Alan Brazil gutted at who could become Chelsea’s next manager

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At this time of year, the players and the summer transfer market usually take centre stage.

But with Chelsea looking for a new manager, as well as Brighton & Hove Albion and suggestions Manchester United could join that queue. 

It has resulted in the manager rumour mill going into overdrive, with Mauricio Pochettino deciding to leave Chelsea on Tuesday to the shock and surprise of many.

There are suggestions that Chelsea have shot themselves in the foot here because they have now taken a step backwards in their quest to reach the top again.

Pochettino only lasted one season, yes, he didn’t win a trophy or secure Champions League football.

But there were clear signs of improvement towards the end, including winning their last five matches and securing sixth spot – that’s why players like Nicolas Jackson are probably unhappy.

Either way, the London club are now on the lookout for a new manager and it seems they have competition with Brighton – they parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi at the end of the season, another man tipped for the Chelsea job.

After guiding Ipswich Town to Premier League promotion, Kieran McKenna is a man strongly linked with both jobs.

Former Ipswich striker Alan Brazil isn’t best pleased to hear he could be leaving and he expressed his ‘surprise’ that he is in ‘advanced talks’ with Brighton, as he told talkSPORT (22/05/24 at 6:25 am).

Brazil added that he doesn’t want to see McKenna at Stamford Bridge and urged him to stay with the Tractor Boys, keep them up, and then possibly leave next year.

Kieran McKenna at Chelsea or Brighton?

“I didn’t see that, I really didn’t see that,” responded Brazil to Pochettino’s exit. “But who has got that? Who has control over transfers now at the top clubs in the Premier League? Surely Poch knows the ones he wants out, never mind in.

“I would love to know what Ipswich fans are thinking about this news. ‘Advanced talks? Advanced talks with Brighton?’ That does surprise me, by the way, that does surprise me. Brighton are a brilliant club, with the way they are being run. 

On McKenna going to Chelsea: “I would rather he stays at Ipswich. Another year in the Premier League. A year in the Premier League. If he can keep Ipswich up, a miracle, then he can go. They have money to spend at Ipswich – it’s an American hedge fund with a lot of money. It’s not pennants, I promise you. It’s all change.”

Will Chelsea regret Mauricio Pochettino call?

When a manager leaves your club, you want the next man through the door to, at least, be better than what has just left.

You can’t argue that with McKenna. The highest level he has worked at is England’s second division. The same for Leicester City boss, Enzo Maresca – Sources have told HITC, he is open to Chelsea talks.

READ MORE: Chelsea told it’s a ‘mistake’ if duo replace Conor Gallagher in double transfer deal

Yes, McKenna has done a remarkable job at Portman Road, but if Chelsea want to compete at the top again, you aren’t getting it next season.

That’s why you have to question if a manager like McKenna comes in, and starts poorly or struggles, then is he out of the door pretty much straightaway?!