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Chelsea-linked Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly eyeing a «reunion» with Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino is expected to be announced as Chelsea’s new permanent manager in the coming weeks. They’ve been looking for Graham Potter’s replacement since early last month.
The former Spurs head coach has been out of work since leaving PSG last summer and has reportedly dropped the likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann to be picked for the best job at Stamford Bridge.
Football Attaché they report that ‘Pochettino is pushing Chelsea take on Mitchell before his Stamford Bridge appointment is finalised» and «wants the deal agreed» as soon as possible.
Mitchell is a renowned sporting director and has been at Monaco since 2020. He has previously held similar roles at Southampton, Tottenham and RB Leipzig. Earlier this year he confirmed that he will be leaving Ligue 1 at the end of this season.
«It was a very difficult decision,» Mitchell told French newspaper Nice-Matin. “I loved my experience at this club. I have always felt a lot of support from President Dmitry Rybolovlev. We had several discussions about my mission, the possibility of changing roles within the club, extending my contract.
“I am very grateful to the president for trusting me. We have built a relationship based on transparency and honesty. But in recent years I have spent a lot of time away from home and loved ones. I feel that the mission I had, that of rebuilding the sporting project, has been accomplished».
Mitchell and Pochettino had previously worked together while at Southampton. The report from Football Attaché adds.
The Argentine manager is pushing the Chelsea board to secure him a first-class backroom team and a management setup that gives him the best chance of success.
Pochettino is keen to add Mitchell to his backroom staff at Stamford Bridge as he believes he can offer something different to Chelsea’s existing recruitment team.
«Mitchell is known to be keen on a potential return to the Premier League and a reunion with Pochettino at an elite club.»
«The Chelsea hierarchy are working behind the scenes to create a position for Mitchell to work alongside Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.»
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Liverpool and Manchester United have both been linked with Mitchell in recent months.
United could have new owners before next season, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe among the contenders racing to oust the Glazer family.
In March, it was reported by The independent that Mitchell was «slated for a role in any INEOS football structure at Manchester United should the consortium led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe buy the club».
READ MORE: ‘Eyebrows raised’ as Ten Hag softens and Lampard argues for permanent job at Chelsea
