Mauricio Pochettino is among the leading contenders to succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss, and he’d have the backing of at least two Chelsea players.
Following Southgate’s confirmation of his departure as England manager on Tuesday, the competition to succeed him has officially begun. Chelsea players Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher, who play for the Three Lions, appear to be delighted about the prospect of working under former Premier League coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Southgate announced his resignation to the Football Association following his team’s second-place result at Euro 2024. Along with fellow former Blues manager Graham Potter and Argentine master Pochettino, Lee Carsley is among the candidates on the shortlist for the currently unfilled position.
How the Three Lions may react
Many on the England team may be happy with Pochettino’s possible hiring, but Palmer and Gallagher in particular should be pleased with his tutelage at Chelsea, according to The Mirror. Before his unexpected departure this summer, his plan in west London was centered on developing new players and turning around Stamford Bridge’s fortunes.
Palmer thanked the South American coach for “making his dreams come true” after hearing of Pochettino’s departure from Stamford Bridge. Palmer moved from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2023, and he witnessed an immediate improvement in his situation in the city.
“The fans don’t see it, you guys don’t see it, but the way the manager works us on the pitch, the things he does with us, it’s only going to get better,” he told Sky Sports at the time. After clashing with club executives over the team’s direction, Pochettino finally resigned, but it’s clear that some would have liked that he had stayed.
The England player regretted bidding the boss, who had shown unflinching faith in him, farewell in an emotional revelation made back in June. “He trusted me, and we had a positive relationship from then on. Not only was he there, but so was every member of his staff. I was devastated when he departed,” Palmer said to The Telegraph.
“The fans don’t see it, you guys don’t see it, but the way the manager works us on the pitch, the things he does with us, it’s only going to get better,” he told Sky Sports at the time. After clashing with club executives over the team’s direction, Pochettino finally resigned, but it’s clear that some would have liked that he had stayed.
The England player regretted bidding the boss, who had shown unflinching faith in him, farewell in an emotional revelation made back in June. “He trusted me, and we had a positive relationship from then on. Not only was he there, but so was every member of his staff. I was devastated when he departed,” Palmer said to The Telegraph.
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