Why Chelsea and Todd Boehly decided against appointing Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea opted against hiring Mauricio Pochettino amid concerns over his ability to compete at the highest level.

The 50-year-old was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer despite leading the French giants to another Ligue 1 title.

Although the former Spurs boss helped continue PSG’s domestic dominance, their failure to conquer Europe, following another spectacular implosion, this time against Real Madrid, ultimately cost him his job.

And while he turned Tottenham into Premier League title contenders and Champions League regulars, according to The Times, it was felt he lacks the ability to compete with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

Todd Boehly and his regime have instead settled on Brighton’s Graham Potter, despite his lack of experience at the elite level of English or European football.

The 47-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract and will be confirmed as Tuchel’s successor on Thursday having verbally agreed to take over earlier following talks with his new employers.

It is expected that Potter will be in position to take charge of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Fulham in Saturday’s early kick off.

Chelsea have also considered Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim.

Speaking to Sky Sports following Tuchel’s departure, Jamie Carragher admits he already ‘fears’ for Potter’s future at Chelsea.

‘It’s a very ruthless club and I’m not sure [Graham Potter] is the right fit – maybe Chelsea are saying they want to do things differently in the future in terms of having a coach in charge rather than a manager or they do things behind the scenes differently,’ said Carragher.

But if I was Graham Potter, I would find that very hard to believe that they’re going to do things differently. They’ve just got rid of a manager six games into the season.

‘It’s a huge step up in his managerial career and Chelsea are still one of the top clubs.

‘They are still world champions right now, but you fear for Graham Potter that he’ll be in the same boat as every other Chelsea manager has for the last 10 years – unless he gets results instantly they’ll be getting themselves another new manager in 12 months.’

MORE : Axed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s ‘love life changed relationship with players’

MORE : Manchester United should have appointed Chelsea-bound Graham Potter, says Paul Merson

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