Chelsea's next manager search: Frontrunners to replace Mauricio Pochettino revealed as timeline for new appointment emerges

The Argentine parted ways with the Blues on mutual terms on Tuesday after managing the club for just a season. Under his tutelage, the team finished sixth in the Premier League, reached the final of the Carabao Cup and were eliminated in the FA Cup semi-finals.

With Pochettino exiting Stamford Bridge, the club are now actively looking for an alternative and have already prepared a managerial shortlist of those who could take charge ahead of the 2024-25 season, according to The Athletic. Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have been entrusted with the responsibility of appointing a suitable candidate for the role, and they want to name a replacement for Pochettino in days rather than weeks.

The duo reportedly have their eyes on Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca. The name of Brentford's Thomas Frank has also been discussed.

The west London side could also approach former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness, however, De Zerbi is unlikely to join them while it will be very difficult to convince Hoeness to leave the Bundesliga side, having qualified for the Champions League. Vincent Kompany could also be a possible candidate but Bayern Munich are currently the frontrunners to appoint the Burnley boss as their next manager.

While the search for a new manager goes on, the player will enjoy a well-earned break in the off-season. They will be back in July and then head to the US to conduct their pre-season.