Top five managers who can replace Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea

The tactician took charge at the club back in January, 2021.

Last night Thomas Tuchel completed his 100th match in-charge of Chelsea. Its a record that he wouldn't be able to extend any longer. The Blues sent shockwaves around the European football landscape by abruptly sacking their German manager.

Thomas Tuchel took over Chelsea's reigns from Frank Lampard. He won 60, drew 24 and lost 16 – winning three trophies: the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

A top club like Chelsea spent £253.79m to buy players during the recently concluded summer transfer window, only to lay off their manager a few days later. Perhaps things were not ideal, but Tuchel did not get enough time to produce quality from his new incomings. Todd Boehly, Chelsea's new owner, wanted to show his intent through the sack.

There are names already lining up for the next suitor who'd get to manage the London-based side in the Premier League. So, without further ado, let's glance through the top five managers having the highest chances of securing the vacant job.

5. Brendan Rodgers

The Northern Irishman did plenty of impressive things, extracting the best out of a mid-table team. There is a strong possibility of Rodgers getting the axe any day now.

The 49-year-old has laid out his frustrations with the management. He cited that he did not receive the backing promised for a rebuild. The lack of investment into the squad (coupled with the depleting quality) snowballed into creating many deep-rooted problems. The issues are prevalent by seeing the Foxes at the bottom of the table.

Rodgers has been great at squeezing out results for his teams when backed. Will Chelsea fans fancy him?

4. Roberto Martinez

The Belgian national team manager might be reluctant to leave his job ahead of a World Cup, but his possession-based contrasting style can make Chelsea think about him. Martinez plays an "amalgamated" style similar to Brendan Rodgers, Michael Laudrup and Graham Potter.

His admiration for Johan Cruyff's philosophies has helped him to frame a unique identity. Winning the FA Cup during the 2012-13 season with a minnow side like Wigan might have been the most decorated moment of Martinez's career. But, his efforts in putting Belgium at the top of the FIFA rankings also deserve credit.

Whether Martinez would even consider the opportunity depends on multiple factors, but none more prevalent than his concrete belief in winning the World Cup with Belgium. If he doesn't see the Belgians giving everyone a run for their money, there is no point in rejecting the Chelsea job if it arrives at his doorstep.

3. Zinedine Zidane

Appointing Zinedine Zidane seems like a far-fetched fantasy for Chelsea at the moment, but weirder things have happened in the crazy world of football.

The Frenchman wants to become the next manager of the France national team, but a job at one of the most successful clubs on English soil would be a new challenge for the icon. Without any first-hand Premier League experience, should Chelsea approach Zidane, considering Thomas Tuchel had similar inexperience in the league?

2. Mauricio Pochettino

Despite winning the staple Ligue 1 title for Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino couldn't keep his job. He got replaced at the start of this season by Christophe Galtier. Now, as a man who has had incredible Premier League experience, he is among the favourite to usurp the vacant Chelsea job.

Pochettino helped a subpar Tottenham side reach the finals of the UEFA Champions League. Although they lost, people admired the passion that the Argentine was able to instill into that squad. Will Chelsea fancy him? Only time will tell.

1. Graham Potter

Brighton's English manager has remained a second favourite choice for many of the top Premier League sides. His progressive and unconventional coaching methods have seen him rise to the ranks of the English football pyramid.

At Östersund, Potter played a robust style of football, which portrayed the implementation of different systems during a match. Interestingly, each of his players knew every tactical play by heart. At Swansea, he used 10 unique formations, and his team completed the most passes per 90 minutes in the Championship.

Picking the brains of Roberto Martínez, Pep Guardiola, and Raymond Verheijen, he implemented his inspired approaches into Brighton. The Seagulls have done quite well in establishing their distinct identity in the league. Potter describes his teams as "tactically flexible, attacking, [and] possession-based." Could this be something that Chelsea fans might currently want? Also, he might be the hot favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel as per reports.