The decision on replacing Pochettino as Chelsea’s manager will be accomplished by Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Brentford head coach Thomas Frank have recently spoken about their futures amidst speculation following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from Chelsea. With Chelsea now searching for a new manager, McKenna and Frank have emerged as potential candidates.
For TEAMtalk followers, this development isn’t entirely unexpected. Chelsea’s executives spent Monday and Tuesday deliberating over Pochettino’s future, ultimately deciding on his departure by Tuesday evening. This decision sparked immediate discussions about potential successors, with McKenna and Frank being top contenders. Both are currently committed to clubs set to compete in the Premier League next season.
Kieran McKenna has garnered attention for his remarkable achievements with Ipswich Town, notably leading the team back to the Premier League. His growing reputation has linked him to prestigious clubs like Chelsea, Brighton, and Manchester United. Despite these links, McKenna remains dedicated to Ipswich Town, emphasizing the club’s positive trajectory.
At the League Managers Association awards, McKenna reflected on the club’s recent successes, saying, “The club has had such a positive season and has such a positive future ahead. We’ve achieved so much; it’s been an incredible two years. When you have success like that, there always comes speculation. We’ve seen that every summer.” He continued to stress his commitment to Ipswich Town, focusing on the upcoming season and celebrating past accomplishments.
Similarly, Thomas Frank has been recognized for his excellent work with Brentford, maintaining the club’s Premier League status. Frank has been linked with top positions at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Despite these connections, Frank has signaled his intention to stay with Brentford, though he remains open to future opportunities.
In an interview with The Athletic, Frank expressed his satisfaction with his current role, stating, “I will probably be on that touchline on August 17. I think that will happen. I’m happy here. I’ve said it many times, and I mean it. It’s close to the perfect football life. I’m not in any rush or searching to do something else, but I also think I’ve learned in life I’m open for what can happen.” Frank is cautious about immediate changes, valuing the stability and success he has found at Brentford.
In summary, both Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank have addressed rumors about their potential moves to Chelsea, emphasizing their current commitments. McKenna is focused on Ipswich Town’s future, while Frank, though open to future opportunities, is content with his role at Brentford. Their statements highlight a balance between ambition and loyalty as they navigate their successful football management careers.