Kieran McKenna’s representatives are in talks Chelsea so that they can carry on with their search for a Mauricio Pochettino replacement.
In his debut season, Pochettino, 52, guided Chelsea to sixth place, three points and one spot ahead of Newcastle, who almost lost out on a Europa League berth.
The Argentine seemed to be turning around Chelsea after an unimpressive start in January but Blues owner Todd Boehly is once again searching for a “young dynamic manager” who can oversee and implement a progressive playing style and further develop the skills of young players like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson.
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Shields Gazette McKenna is Chelsea’s “preferred option,” ahead of managers Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton and Enzo Maresca of Leicester City, who have also been linked because of his success in his first managerial position at Ipswich Town.
McKenna Managerial Journey
In 2016, McKenna began his coaching career with the Tottenham Hotspur U18s then took on a similar position at Manchester United.
Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, Matej Kovar, and more players who have since graduated to the elite league were all developed under his tutelage as he led the young Red Devils to the Premier League Northern Division championship in his second year with the squad.
Coach McKenna attracted the attention of multiple champion Jose Mourinho, who was once a student of former Magpies and Ipswich Town manager Bobby Robson. Having worked with players like Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, McKenna gathered expertise throughout his three years as an assistant coach.
After taking the helm of Ipswich for the first time since 2002, the 38-year-old went it alone as a manager in 2021 and swiftly made a name for himself as one of the nation’s most promising young managers by achieving back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Due to his accomplishments, McKenna’s stock is currently at an all-time high, and the Athletic anticipates that Brighton and Chelsea may express interest in him in the near future.
The youthful coach’s current contract at Portman Road expires in2027, and given the uncertainties, rumors suggest that he is likely to turn down a better offer at this time.
Chelsea’s goal as they get ready for another hectic transfer window is to appoint a new coach as soon as possible. While Ipswich, getting ready for their first top-flight campaign in 22 years, will want to know as soon as possible what McKenna’s future holds.
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