Chelsea are reportedly willing to at least consider two potential successors to Graham Potter in case his tenure takes another turn for the worse ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are fully behind their boss ahead of the meeting, although it’s understood some figures in the boardroom had been beginning to lose faith in Potter prior to Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Leeds.
Nonetheless, the situation remains delicate and failure to overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit against Dortmund could spell danger for the former Brighton boss.
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According to The Independent, there have already been discussions about a potential contingency plan should Potter’s tenure tailspin beyond resurrection.
It’s said Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are two names who would ‘at least be considered’ should Chelsea weigh up the prospect of firing Potter.
That said, relieving him and his coaching staff from their duties could cost up to £50million, which would explain why Todd Boehly is said to be so keen on giving Potter time to steady the ship.
Meanwhile, De Zerbi has made quite the impression since replacing Potter at Brighton with the Seagulls now dreaming of European qualification.
The former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk tactician has continued to drive Brighton forward following the good work carried out by Potter at the Amex, prior to his move to Chelsea.
Barber told Financial Times live: “I am happy to pick up the phone to Chelsea apart from when it’s for our coaches.
It’s understood De Zerbi’s Brighton contract does contain a release clause worth in the region of £11.5m.
The Chelsea boss said after last weekend’s victory over Leeds that he believes he has the support of the club’s hierarchy, although that is not something he is going to hide behind.
