Next Chelsea Manager Odds: Who Could Take Over From Mauricio Pochettino?

Date IconLast Updated: 
Share On Your Network
Next Chelsea Manager Odds: Who Could Take Over From Mauricio Pochettino?
© PA

Chelsea were tipped as outsiders for a title challenge at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, but it's been a turbulent season under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues continue to languish in 11th position in the league, despite being unbeaten in their last four matches, and there is increased speculation on betting sites with regards to a potential successor for the Argentine in the Chelsea dugout.

Defeat to a youthful Liverpool side in the dying embers of the EFL Cup final added further pressure to an already struggling Pochettino.

The league title is already beyond the reach of Pochettino and he will have to orchestrate a miracle if he wants to make the Premier League top four.

Currently, the Blues find themselves 16 points adrift of the top four, and even though they have a game in hand on most, there is a need for a significant improvement in results if they are to climb up the table.

Gambling.com spoke exclusively to Premier League veteran Phil Babb, who gave his verdict on Pochettino's future as Chelsea boss.

"I think high profile managers at a club like Chelsea are under pressure basically from day one. It's a massively expensive squad that they’ve assembled, they haven’t fired well enough consistently enough, so yeah, he’s under fire."

Next Chelsea Manager Odds

ManagerOddsProbability
Hansi FlickEvens50%
Michel Sanchez7/541.7%
Jose Mourinho2/133.3%
Roberto De Zerbi9/218.2%
Xavi Hernandez5/116.7%
Xabi Alonso6/114.3%
Ruben Amorim9/110%
Zinedine Zidane12/17.7%
Rob Edwards16/15.9%
Thomas Frank25/13.8%

Can Chelsea Tempt Flick Or Michel?

Hansi Flick is the favourite to succeed Pochettino, available at odds of Evens.

The 58-year-old has been a free agent since September 2023, after becoming the first manager in Germany's history to be sacked as the national team's coach.

He failed as Germany boss, but won trophies at club level and is available without Chelsea needing to pay compensation.

It is also rumoured that Flick has expressed an interest in becoming the next Barcelona manager, so he is a man in demand.

Michel Sanchez's name is resonating throughout the footballing world, thanks to the remarkable job he is doing with Spanish side Girona.

The La Liga minnows regained second place after a win over Osasuna, and look certain to secure a top-four finish.

The 48-year-old manager has attracted attention from several English clubs this season, one of which sees him surface as the second favourite for the Stamford Bridge hot seat.

Sanchez (7/5) could prove to be a savvy appointment for Chelsea in years to come, so don't rule him out of being Pochettino's replacement.

Chelsea Could Turn To Mourinho Or De Zerbi

It has been more than eight years since Jose Mourinho's departure from his second stint as Chelsea manager, yet he stands as the 2/1 third favourite on football betting sites to return for a third spell at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho, who was recently relieved of his duties as Roma boss, ended I Giallorossi's 14-year trophy drought in his inaugural season, securing the Europa Conference League trophy by defeating Feyenoord in the final.

Despite going on to manage rivals Manchester United and Tottenham, Mourinho's legacy and trophy-winning qualities continue to make him a compelling candidate for a return to Stamford Bridge.

Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium for some time now, with Chelsea emerging as a potential destination.

The Italian manager is the fourth favourite at 9/2 to replace Pochettino at the helm of the Blues. Chelsea has a history of appointing Italian managers, with four of their last seven head coaches hailing from Italy.

Despite the added demands of European football that they have faced this year, De Zerbi has admirably sustained Brighton's pursuit of a top-six finish in the first half of the campaign and they sit just five points off sixth spot.

Established 2012
Sports with Cash Out
Cash Out In-Play
34
Yes
Cash Out - Auto
Cash Out - Partial
Yes
No
18+. T&C's apply
Established 2020
Sports with Cash Out
Cash Out In-Play
27
Yes
Cash Out - Auto
Cash Out - Partial
No
Yes
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply
Established 2003
Sports with Cash Out
Cash Out In-Play
29
Yes
Cash Out - Auto
Cash Out - Partial
No
Yes
18+ New Players only. Bonus Code: PLAY10. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.org

Xavi And Alonso Are Being Closely Monitored

After revealing he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, Xavi Hernandez has emerged as the 5/1 fifth favourite to succeed Pochettino.

It's almost certain that Xavi will fulfil his managerial commitments with the Spanish giants, but there is nothing preventing the ex-midfielder joining the Blues after the 2023/24 campaign.

It looks as though Pochettino will be given until the end of the current season at least, but options may prove few and far between across June and July, which is where Xavi could be called upon.

The Barcelona job was just his second managerial role, after previously being in charge at Al Sadd, and his affinity to the Blaugrana could be what is stifling his progression as a coach.

For this reason, he could make the move over to the Premier League and start afresh with the London club.

Next Chelsea Manager Odds

Another Spanish manager making waves in the managerial world is former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who continues to sit top of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso has turned Leverkusen into a formidable force in Germany and they are unbeaten in the league after 25 matches.

Although, Alonso committed to Bayer Leverkusen with a contract extension until 2026 back in August, but he has been heavily linked with the Liverpool job for next season with Jurgen Klopp is set to leave.

In turn, this has led to his odds of 9/2 lengthening in recent times to 6/1 for him to be Pochettino's successor.

Amorim And Zidane Not Out The Running

Ruben Amorim is one of the most sought-after managerial prospects outside of England, with the 39-year-old generating considerable interest as the potential next next Manchester United manager.

In charge of Sporting Lisbon, Amorim's men are top of Liga Portugal, but odds of 9/1 suggest that it may not be the right time for him to venture into his first managerial role outside his native Portugal.

Despite being out of work for over two years, the legendary Zinedine Zidane is an 12/1 candidate with new betting sites to assume the managerial position at Chelsea. 

Named the 2017 Best FIFA Men’s Coach, Zidane may command a substantial salary, but it falls within the financial capabilities of Chelsea, opening the door for a potentially exciting new chapter under the leadership of the esteemed Frenchman.

Edwards And Frank Make Up The Outsiders

A new emergent onto the shortlist is Luton Town manager Rob Edwards (16/1), who is still hoping to defy the pre-season expectations.

The 41-year-old is used to working with small budgets and Chelsea may choose not to spend much due to Financial Fair Play.

But, after going down a similar path when they employed Graham Potter, it looks like a route they will not take.

Thomas Frank (25/1) may be enduring one of his most difficult spells as manager of Brentford, but his managerial talent is undeniable.

The Dane led Brentford to promotion from the Championship in the 2020/21 season and has established them as a Premier League club ever since.

After over five years in charge, there is speculation that the 50-year-old has may have taken the club as far as possible and it could be time for him to move on.

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.