Hansi Flick linked with Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino future 'in the balance'

Former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has been linked with being the next Chelsea manager.

Mauricio Pochettino has endured a difficult first season as Blues boss this term. Chelsea are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table and recently lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final in what was the club's last chance to win a major trophy.

Chelsea lost 5-0 away at Arsenal in the midweek clash in the Premier League. The defeat and the scoreline has only applied even more pressure on Pochettino's long-term future as Blues manager.

The final weeks of the season will see Chelsea try and climb the table to secure qualification for European football next term. The Blues are also competing with the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur for the spots just outside the top four to qualify for either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

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A report in The Times has provided an update on Pochettino's future as Chelsea manager. It has been claimed that the 52-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge is "hanging in the balance" ahead of the season's run-in.

The report claims that where Chelsea finish in the Premier League table, and whether or not the club qualifies for Europe, will have a major impact on if Pochettino will remain in charge. As a result, the article has speculated who could be in line to replace Pochettino in the event of his departure.

It has been claimed that Flick is a potential candidate for Chelsea to be the club's next manager. However, it has been stated that the former Bayern Munich boss is not thought to be interested in taking on the role this summer.

Flick has been out of work since leaving his role as head coach of the Germany national team in September last year. Chelsea have also been linked with Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon to be the club's next manager should the Blues hierarchy decide to part ways with Pochettino ahead of next season.