Chelsea could make a ‘huge mistake’ by appointing manager who’s on their final shortlist
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Darren Bent has voiced his concerns regarding one of the candidates on Chelsea’s final shortlist for their next manager. The Blues are searching for a new head coach following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent. Recent reports indicate that the shortlist includes Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and a mysterious fourth candidate.
Bent and his fellow TalkSPORT pundit, Andy Goldstein, are skeptical about McKenna’s suitability for the Chelsea job. They argue that the 38-year-old’s lack of experience at the Premier League level makes him a risky choice for such a high-profile position. McKenna, currently enjoying success with Ipswich Town, has led the team to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. However, Bent believes this impressive track record does not compensate for his inexperience in managing top-tier teams.
Bent expressed his admiration for McKenna’s achievements at Ipswich but cautioned against making the leap to Chelsea. He emphasized that McKenna has never managed a Premier League game and pointed out that, despite Ipswich’s significant stature, they do not compare to the magnitude of Chelsea. Goldstein echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges of managing a club like Chelsea with its array of big personalities and high expectations.
The question arises: why is Chelsea considering Kieran McKenna? His recent success and the attractive, possession-based football his Ipswich side plays have certainly caught the eye of clubs higher up the league ladder. Since taking over in 2021, McKenna has built a reputation for effective management and tactical acumen, which has led to Ipswich’s remarkable progress.
Yet, the step up to Chelsea is monumental. McKenna’s current situation at Ipswich, celebrating their latest promotion and preparing for his first full season in the Premier League, seems like a logical next step in his career. The prospect of moving to Chelsea, with its intense scrutiny and pressure, might be premature.
In summary, while McKenna’s achievements at Ipswich are commendable, his inexperience at the top level raises valid concerns about his readiness for the Chelsea job. Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein’s apprehensions highlight the potential risks of such a bold appointment. Whether McKenna can replicate his success on a much bigger stage remains an open question, one that Chelsea must carefully consider as they seek their next manager.