Chelsea-linked manager responds to suggestions he could replace Mauricio Pochettino

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 May 2024

Chelsea-linked manager responds to suggestions he could replace Pochettino

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna responds to the speculation surrounding his future, with Chelsea believed to be keen on him.

Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has insisted that he is not paying too much attention to the speculation surrounding his future.

McKenna has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions, with the club now preparing to play in the Premier League during the 2024-25 campaign.

Chelsea are believed to have identified McKenna as a possible replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, with the Argentine's departure as head coach of the London club being confirmed on Tuesday.

Manchester United have also allegedly been in contact with McKenna over a return to Old Trafford, as Erik ten Hag could lose his job following this weekend's FA Cup final.

After being crowned LMA Manager of the Year, the 38-year-old was asked about his future and said that speculation is to be expected due to Ipswich's achievements.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on April 30, 2024 © Reuters

McKenna responds to claims he could become Chelsea boss

"The club's got such a positive season and such a bright future ahead. We've achieved so much, it's been an incredible two years, and when you have those two years there's always speculation and things like that, there's been that every summer," McKenna told Sky Sports News.

"But I know how much everyone's looking forward to the season, I know the club's in a fantastic path and everyone's just really looking forward to the season ahead.

"When you do well as a manager or as a player there's always going to be speculation, and I know what we've achieved isn't an ordinary thing, so of course there's going to be speculation then.

"But that's not where my focus is, to be honest. Tonight it's about what we've achieved last season, what we've achieved over the last couple of seasons, not just myself but everyone at the football club.

"It's been a wonderful couple of years, so tonight's about celebrating that. I know everyone's looking forward to next season and the club's going to be in a really good place going into that season."

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after the match on February 13, 2024 © Reuters

Who else is in the frame for the Chelsea job?

Chelsea have allegedly identified Leicester City head coach Enzo Maresca as their number one choice to become the new head coach this summer.

Maresca has led Leicester back into the Premier League for the 2024-25 campaign, but journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that he could now leave the Foxes to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Roberto De Zerbi is also being linked with the role, with the Italian available this summer, having announced his departure from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brentford's Thomas Frank, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and Bayern Munich's Thomas Tuchel are also among those being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea finished sixth in this season's Premier League table, and they will either play in the Europa League or Conference League during the 2024-25 campaign.