CHELSEA’S search for a new manager has been reduced to three names, with Mauricio Pochettino the outstanding candidate on the shortlist.
The former Tottenham boss has already met with Chelsea twice and impressed in both meetings.
Vincent Kompany and an as-yet unnamed third coach make up the rest of the shortlist, though there are some concerns about Kompany’s lack of managerial experience.
Julian Nagelsmann is no longer under consideration after holding talks with the club.
The 35-year-old, who was sacked as Bayern Munich boss last month, was never regarded as the favourite for the job internally.
Friction between the two sides grew as Chelsea officials were determined to carry out a thorough due diligence on all of the candidates before making a decision – with the German coach resenting the repeated interviews and requests for information.
Chelsea’s bosses are determined to treat all of the three remaining on the shortlist equally and will complete a similarly thorough process of assessment on the trio before making any decision – but it is clear Pochettino is in the strongest position to take over from Frank Lampard at the end of the season.