Football News: Chelsea 'to finalise managerial appointment this week'

Chelsea are expected to clinch an agreement for a new head coach before the end of this week.

Since firing Graham Potter in early April, the Blues have begun an extensive search for his long-term replacement.

While Frank Lampard is now in charge as a caretaker, a sequence of one win and six defeats in seven games ensures that his interim tenure will come to an end at the end of the season.

For several weeks, Mauricio Pochettino has been seen as the overwhelming leader to replace Graham Potter in the Chelsea dugout.

A number of discussions are believed to have taken place between the appropriate parties, with an agreement being announced as recently as last week.

Such a development did not occur, raising concerns among Chelsea fans that the procedure will take longer than currently anticipated.

Nonetheless, Chelsea are convinced that they will be able to clinch a deal for their preferred candidate in the coming days, according to The Athletic.

Although it has not been specifically declared that Pochettino would be the next head coach, the Argentine's managerial search will only be over within days if he is on the verge of publicly accepting the post.

Lampard will remain in his caretaker role for the remaining four Premier League games of the 2022-23 season, according to the article.

Lampard is said to be in talks with his replacement, as well as sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, to help with the transition.

Pochettino, or whomever replaces him, will be charged with bringing Chelsea back into the top seven of the Premier League standings next season, which is the bare minimum for European participation.

Chelsea will also have to dramatically cut their playing numbers in order to improve their financial situation and accommodate a lighter schedule.

Chelsea are now 11th in the Premier League table, with games against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United remaining to come.

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