Pressure continues to build on Mauricio Pochettino amid claims in Spain that Chelsea’s hierarchy have made an ‘important offer’ to Girona boss Michel.
The west Londoners have endured another disappointing campaign and are currently in 11th place in the Premier League table ahead of Monday night’s home clash against Newcastle – who are four points better off in 10th place.
This feels like a crunch week for Pochettino, with the side also hosting Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-final, and two defeats could prove to be terminal for the Argentine.
A number of supporters have already turned on the manager and there have even been chants for Jose Mourinho to return.
Now it appears Chelsea’s hierarchy may also be having significant doubts about Pochettino, with Spanish newspaper AS reporting that they have made contact with Girona’s Michel.
The 48-year-old coach has overseen an excellent campaign playing sparkling, attacking football and until recently was top of La Liga, though they have fallen behind Real Madrid in recent weeks.
After three defeats in their last five outings, Girona are now seven points adrift of Real with 10 matches to go – but Michel has still won plenty of admirers for the way he has orchestrated an unlikely title challenge.
According to AS’s report, Chelsea are big fans of Michel and have tried to gazump rival suitors by making an early play for him.
The west Londoners are ‘not at all satisfied’ with Pochettino and several high-profile figures even travelled to Spain recently to convey to Michel first-hand their desire to have him in the Stamford Bridge dugout next season.
However, the former Rayo Vallecano midfielder is thought to be unconvinced by the proposal and is keen to continue at Girona for another season, especially if they have Champions League football wrapped up.
Chelsea are not the only club interested in Michel either, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona – who all need a new manager for next season – all linked with him.
Speaking about his future at the end of last month, Michel reaffirmed his commitment to Girona, saying: ‘I have a contract and I feel very good. I think I will continue here. I am convinced.’
AS have also suggested that Michel’s long-term plan is to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City when his compatriot eventually decides to leave the Etihad, and he is already part of the family given that Girona are owned by the City Group.
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