Five contenders to replace under-fire Potter at Chelsea

Chelsea are enduring a torrid time under Graham Potter and he could soon be heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues suffered another defeat at the weekend, this time at the hands of London rivals Tottenham.

Potter's side are one of the lowest scorers in the Premier League despite their recent big-spending recruitment drive.

Defeat to Leeds on Saturday could leave Todd Boehly and Co with no choice but to part ways with their English boss.

We take a look at five contenders who could replace the 47-year-old in West London.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho is the name at the top of many Chelsea fans' wish lists with the Roma boss said to be keen on a third stint at the five-time Premier League winners.

The Portuguese head coach delivered the league title to Stamford Bridge twice during his first stay and then again in 2014-2015.

Reports have suggested that the legendary manager wants to return to England one more time to win further silverware after failing to do so during his time in charge of Spurs.

With his family said to still be living in London, it is certainly not impossible that Chelsea's most successful coach could return to the club that sacked him on two occasions.

Mauricio Pochettino

It is no secret that Mauricio Pochettino spends a lot of time in England having been relieved of his duties by Paris Saint-Germain last July.

Former Southampton and Spurs boss Poch was well known for his high-intensity, attacking football — especially during his reign in North London.

The 50-year-old looks to be biding his time when it comes to securing his next job but there is some excitement around what Pochettino could do with Chelsea's young and hugely-talented squad.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Argentine is waiting for Antonio Conte to depart his beloved Spurs so that he can return to management in a familiar environment.

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique's time at the helm of the Spanish national side came to an abrupt end when they were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.

The 2010 winners were contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar but crashed out on penalties in the last 16, leaving the former Barcelona boss searching for a new adventure.

The 52-year-old has not taken a job in club management since he left the Camp Nou in 2017 but an opportunity at Chelsea could turn his head towards a challenge in the Premier League.

Luis Enrique is a tactical expert who would be capable of developing the Blues into a well-oiled machine able to challenge for honours if the Spaniard is given the time and resources.

Zinedine Zidane

It seems an age since Zinedine Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles but he is another who may be tempted by a vacancy at Chelsea.

The Frenchman has been linked with almost every top job in Europe since his departure from Los Blancos in 2021 — and for good reason.

His excellent man-management skills would be a welcome sight for fans of the West London club as the squad appears unsettled by so many new faces this term.

Zidane was said to be patiently waiting for the French national team job but Didier Deschamps' decision to stay on as Les Bleus boss may prompt the former midfielder to seek an alternative route back into the dugout.

Diego Simeone 

Diego Simeone may be tempted by a new project having spent 11 years in charge of Atletico Madrid and is a proven winner at the top level.

He has boasted some impressive achievements in the Spanish capital, coaching Atleti to the title ahead of LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2014 and 2021 alongside two visits to the Champions League final.

Well known for his defensive tactics, Simeone is an expert at game management and relies on counter-attacks to breach the opposition.

And with an arsenal of tools available in West London, the 52-year-old Argentine would be able to stamp his authority on this young squad.