Chelsea appear to have taken another page from Brighton’s book, joining the Seagulls in the race to acquire Sporting manager Ruben Amorim. Both teams could be looking for a manager in the summer for very different reasons, and a transfer scuffle could be on the cards.
Chelsea were defeated 1-0 by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, with Virgil van Dijk scoring the decisive goal in the 118th minute. Jurgen Klopp has received widespread plaudits following the victory, with his willingness to gamble and substitute on multiple young products proving crucial.
The win brings the Reds one step closer to completing a historic quadruple, which would be an ideal way for Klopp to retire. The German manager said in January that he will leave Liverpool at the conclusion of the season because he had ‘ran out of energy’ in the role.
The higher-ups at Anfield are already considering their alternatives for replacing Klopp, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso the main target. The Reds are aware that it will be difficult to lure the Spaniard away from the Bundesliga club, with Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi being considered as an alternative.
Barcelona, Manchester United, and a number of Serie A clubs are also interested in the Italian, prompting Brighton to conduct a thorough assessment of their replacement prospects. According to Portuguese site Mais Futebol, the Seagulls have set their sights on Amorim and would move for the 39-year-old if De Zerbi left.
However, the Daily Mail reports that Chelsea is also mulling a move for the Sporting head. Pochettino is thought to be under intense pressure following the Carabao Cup final defeat, with’significant questions’ about his status as manager.
The Stamford Bridge club hopes to examine their management situation at the end of the season, when problems can be completely discussed, although contenders to replace the former Spurs manager are being identified, including Amorim.
Since Todd Boehly’s arrival, Brighton and Chelsea have been doing a lot of business together. Thus, the identification of the same target will come as little surprise to either side, given that the Blues have lately acquired numerous important members of staff from the Amex Stadium outfit, with Sam Jewell being the most recent to join Stamford Bridge.
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