Tuchel, Mourinho, De Zerbi - Chelsea sent clear next manager message after Mauricio Pochettino exit

An overwhelming majority of Chelsea supporters voting in a football.london poll believe the club are wrong in parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino but nevertheless wish to see Thomas Tuchel become his successor.

Pochettino left the club on Tuesday by mutual consent after talks with club chiefs on Monday. He leaves Stamford Bridge 10 months and 20 days after his arrival and is the third permanent Blues boss to leave under Todd Boehly’s reign.

Pochettino had met with the American owner for a meal on Friday but refused to give details about what was discussed. However, he said in Sunday’s press conference that: “If I invite you along, and you and me have dinner, it’s not for bad things. I don’t believe that.”

The hunt for his successor begins immediately with a number of names linked. However, Blues fans are adamant they should not be in this situation.

A majority of 80% of 456 fans believe the Argentine deserved more time, having led the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, a Carabao Cup final and an FA Cup semi-final. Just 15% who voted said it was the right call to part ways while 5% were indifferent to the decision.

A number of familiar names are already being touted as the possible next Chelsea boss. Roberto De Zerbi has long been linked and is now free to hire after leaving Brighton on Sunday, while Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is thought to be of interest to the Blues.

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However, the majority of those who voted in the poll said they would like to see Tuchel back in the dugout. The German - who has left Bayern Munich - was dismissed by Boehly amid differences between the coach and the board in 2022.

Graham Potter was appointed in his place but 30% of 445 fans wish to see Tuchel back at the Bridge. De Zerbi has taken 13% of the vote while Jose Mourinho is wanted back for a third term by 16% of voters.

Hansi Flick, McKenna, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Unai Emery have ranked under 10% while a further 10% do not fancy any of the aforementioned options.

Poll results so far

Were Chelsea right to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino?

Yes - it was time to go | 15%

No - he deserved more time | 80%

I'm not bothered either way | 5%

Who should be Chelsea's next manager?

Roberto De Zerbi | 13%

Hansi Flick | 6%

Kieran McKenna | 4%

Julian Nagelsmann | 7%

Thomas Tuchel | 30%

Ruben Amorim | 7%

Sebastian Hoeness | 1%

Jose Mourinho | 16%

Unai Emery | 6%

None of the above | 10%