Chelsea Football Club is on the fast track to secure Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna as the successor to Mauricio Pochettino.
McKenna, fresh from guiding Ipswich to consecutive promotions, has become a prime target for Chelsea, who are eager to finalize the deal swiftly.
This urgency stems from rumors swirling around Manchester United potentially parting ways with their coach, Erik ten Hag, following the upcoming FA Cup clash against Manchester City.
McKenna’s ties to Manchester United add an intriguing dimension to the situation. Having previously served as assistant to both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, McKenna’s affinity for the Red Devils is well-documented.
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Chelsea’s decision to oust Pochettino has sent shockwaves through the dressing room, but the club remains hopeful that securing a replacement promptly will help steady the ship.
While Chelsea keeps a close eye on alternative options like Enzo Maresca from Leicester, Thomas Frank from Brentford, Sebastian Hoeness from Stuttgart, and Michel from Girona, their preference for McKenna is clear. The 38-year-old’s adeptness at possession-based football aligns with Chelsea’s vision, along with his potential to collaborate effectively on recruitment strategies.
On the other front, Ipswich is making a desperate bid to retain McKenna’s services. Offering him a lucrative contract worth £5 million per year over the next four seasons represents a significant escalation from his current £1.2 million annual deal. McKenna’s stellar performance hasn’t gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recognition as the League Managers Association’s manager of the year, surpassing illustrious names like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
As the drama unfolds, Manchester United’s board appears poised to defer any decisions regarding Ten Hag’s future until after the FA Cup final.
