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Horse Racing Next Chelsea Manager Odds: Zidane’s Odds Dropping But Potter Favourite
With Roman Abramovich’s hurried exit from the capital now a distant memory, Todd Boehly’s imprint on Chelsea Football Club continues to multiply. Thomas Tuchel’s sacking after a poor performance in Croatia has surprised many, with the focus now shifting to who’s next in line.
In this article:
Next Chelsea Manager Odds
- Graham Potter – 1.91
- Mauricio Pochettino – 4.50
- Zinedine Zidane – 3.50
- Brendan Rodgers – 9.00
- Diego Simeone – 26.00
The Favourites
According to the bookmakers, Potter and Pochettino head the race for the Chelsea hot seat. One is primed and ready to take the reigns at a new club, and the other may have to pull a sicky to attend the upcoming job interview. Regardless of current situations, the Chelsea post is in good hands if the early frontrunners for the job are to be believed.
Graham Potter to Chelsea Odds
Graham Potter takes the favourite mantel. The way his Brighton side has performed since his hiring suggests he’s ready for the step up. A young English head coach who is a tactically astute man manager and one who can work a media room with his insightful press conferences – Potter is a catch.
Rumours have already surfaced that Chelsea will make their move for Potter, with the odds-against price of 1.91 on Sky Bet proposing how the bookmakers view the early betting landscape. Perhaps a lack of experience at the top end of the table and in Europe could work against him in the running, as could the need to stump up a sizable fee to Brighton for his services. This move is far from straightforward, but Chelsea would be difficult to turn down despite his fondness for the Seagulls.
Mauricio Pochettino to Chelsea Odds
The former Spurs gaffer, who has already enjoyed a stint in London, couldn’t quite cut it in the Champions League during his tenure. Despite winning PSG’s tenth Ligue 1 title quite comfortably, his side’s European exploits didn’t reach the gold standard. But, of course, that’s the goal when taking the Paris Saint Germain post, so it’s no wonder Poch was discarded when he oversaw PSG’s fourth last-16 Champions League elimination in the last six campaigns.
Could Chelsea be next on the agenda? Premier League and Champions League experience – check; managing a talent-laden squad brimming with superstar ability – check. Poch represents a manager that could start tomorrow and likely be successful up to a point, so it’s no surprise to see him as 4.50 third favourite on Sky Bet. Could he go toe-to-toe with City and Liverpool? That’s a different question entirely.
The Outsiders
Away from the two leading the pack is a duo boasting a wealth of managerial experience, propped up by two distinguished playing careers.
Zinedine Zidane to Chelsea Odds
Just like Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane is out of work and readily available. The absence of a fee to tempt a current employer is undoubtedly a plus point for any potential replacement, especially when that sum is likely to mirror similar costs spent on the playing staff.
Zidane’s Los Blancos were dominant in Spain and imposing on the continent, exactly the mould Boehly would want for his new-look Chelsea venture. As a result, the Frenchman is now second in the running at 3.50.
Diego Simeone to Chelsea Odds
Diego Simeone represents an interesting choice. However, the likely sticking point, away from his football which isn’t always easy on the eye, is the eye-watering salary. The Atleti head-honcho is currently the highest-paid manager in world football.
Sure, Chelsea has the means to match said wages, but when other, perhaps more suitable managers are available, it would be a surprising route to go down. Simeone is 26.00 with Sky Bet to call Stamford Bridge his next home.
The Longshots
Max Allegri is another manager who produced a rather limp showing in the Champions League’s opening fixture. With the performances of his Juventus side at present, it may be a shock for Chelsea to come sniffing around. Regardless, the Italian is a fantastic manager, winning six Scudettos with two different clubs and finishing runners-up in the Champions League on two occasions with The Old Lady. At 26.00, with his Juve side far from firing on all cylinders, maybe it has legs.
Gareth Southgate rears his head in the betting. It would be the worst possible timing from an England perspective, yet it’s doubtful Boehly will care on that front. Southgate is an unlikely prospect at 34.00, but keep an eye on him after the World Cup for any potential Premier League openings.
Last but not least, Frank Lampard’s name appears in the betting a little higher than you may expect given his current struggles on Merseyside. Nevertheless, considering his past with the club, it wouldn’t be the strangest appointment in the world. But, on the whole, it’s improbable; one to avoid for us at 51.00.
The Value Pick
Though the early signs point toward Graham Potter’s door on the South Coast, Zinedine Zidane will be a name that really interests the Chelsea hierarchy. Zidane claims the biggest silverware haul as a player and manager out of the front runners. His recent success with Real Madrid is something that will impress a Todd Boehly looking to make waves in the sport.
- Selection: Zinedine Zidane
- Odds: 3.50
- Bookmaker: Sky Bet
