Pochettino ‘unconvinced’ by Chelsea ‘project’ during ‘talks’ as three clubs eye ex-Spurs boss

Mauricio Pochettino was left ‘unconvinced’ by the ‘project’ at Chelsea during ‘exploratory talks’ earlier this season with fresh negotiations expected to take place, as per Ben Jacobs.

The former Tottenham manager is one of many in the frame to replace Graham Potter – who was sacked on Sunday – at Stamford Bridge.

Potter was appointed this season after Todd Boehly made the controversial decision to dismiss Thomas Tuchel.

This means Boehly has sacked two managers in the same campaign – which former owner Roman Abramovich did not do in nearly two decades in West London.

Pochettino held talks with Chelsea following Tuchel’s exit, though Potter was always the club’s number-one target.

The Argentine is out of work after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.

Spurs are also on the search for a new manager and to the club he led to the Champions League final in 2019.

During those talks with the Stamford Bridge club, it is believed Pochettino was ‘not convinced’ by the ‘project’ under Boehly’s ownership.

This is according to Ben Jacobs. He wrote in his CaughtOffside column: “Prior to appointing Potter, Chelsea held exploratory talks with the former Spurs boss. I am told he wasn’t entirely convinced by the project.

“Let’s see if that has changed now a full recruitment team is in place and the ambition of spending is apparent despite the chaos and Chelsea’s league position.

“Pochettino isn’t short of options. Jobs at Spurs and Real for next season are on his radar as well.”

Jacobs gave more of an insight into Chelsea’s recruitment process with ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann the current favourite to replace Potter.

“Nagelsmann’s default position is to start a new job next season, but a free hit at the business end of the Champions League might yet change his mind, too.

“Keep an eye on Sporting boss Ruben Amorim who, as I’ve said many times even before Potter was appointed, is a name Chelsea respect.

“Luciano Spalletti could also be considered.

“One name we can rule out is Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. He is catching the eye of top clubs, but is not on Chelsea’s shortlist.”

Nagelsmann, 35, is out of work after leaving Bayern Munich last month.

Multiple reports stated the young German was keen to wait until the end of the season before managing a new club, though Sky Germany claimed on Tuesday that .

Waiting until the end of the season makes sense for any manager given Chelsea’s bloated squad.

Potter had to manage over 30 first-team players, which reportedly resulted in players getting changed for training in corridors as there wasn’t enough space in the changing rooms.

Having to choose between and please so many players is an impossible task and contributed to Potter’s downfall.