AI picks managers for top clubs including Man Utd and Chelsea with new job for Pochettino and tug-of-war over Zidane
EUROPE’S biggest clubs are on the hunt for new managers ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Juventus are among the giants looking for new leadership.
Mauricio Pochettino left the Blues in a shock decision following the end of the Premier League season.
Bayern are still searching for a replacement for Thomas Tuchel, while Juventus need a new boss after sacking Massimiliano Allegri.
With so many elite teams on the lookout for new managers, they will all need to act fast to snap up the best talent.
SunSport has asked AI to work out who could be heading to each club…
Chelsea – Julian Nagelsmann
AI’s top pick for Chelsea is former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann.
The current Germany boss is widely regarded as one of the most innovative young managers in football.
Nagelsmann would bring a track record of developing youth players and plenty of European experience with him.
Aged only 34, he could also be at Stamford Bridge for the long haul… should the club stick by him.
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Other suggested candidates include Erik ten Hag, Allegri, Brendan Rogers and former boss Tuchel.
Realistically, Chelsea have been linked with interest in Leicester City‘s Enzo Maresca and Ipswich Town‘s Kieran McKenna.
Man Utd – Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is said to be the top candidate for Manchester United this summer, according to AI.
The French manager enjoyed huge success over his two spells at Real Madrid, winning three Champions League trophies.
Ten Hag is still in position at the club but it is expected that he will be leaving after the FA Cup final, regardless of the result.
Zidane would bring with him a winning mentality and an ability to manage high-profile players.
While Ten Hag has often been criticised for being stubborn with his tactics, Zidane often adapts his plans, which could benefit the club.
AI has also suggested that strong candidates would be Pochettino, Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Luis Enrique.
In reality, the Red Devils have been linked with McKenna, Graham Potter and England boss Gareth Southgate.
Bayern Munich – Roberto De Zerbi
Bayern Munich may be close to hiring Vincent Kompany to replace Tuchel, but Roberto De Zerbi is the AI pick for the German giants.
The Italian left Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of the season to the surprise of many.
AI claims that De Zerbi’s attacking tactics would suit Bayern and he would be able to develop the club’s current players.
Despite being in England for just 18 months, the coach has a proven track record, having enjoyed success at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Like Man Utd, AI also suggested that Pochettino and Enrique could be good options.
Europa League-winning Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini and Allegri are also potential hires.
But Kompany appears to be the standout candidate with the club agreeing a compensation package with Burnley.
Barcelona – Marcelo Gallardo
AI has picked Marcelo Gallardo as the top choice to replace Xavi at the club.
The Argentine is a free agent after leaving Al-Ittihad – but has previously been linked to Barcelona.
He would be able to get the best out of the team with his tactical intelligence and ability to tweak strategies.
Given his track record of developing youngsters, Gallardo could work wonders with La Masia’s world-famous academy.
Other candidates suggested for the LaLiga giants such as Ten Hag, De Zerbi, Nagelsmann and Mikel Arteta.
De Zerbi and Arteta have both been linked with the Nou Camp but the Italian would be more likely out of the two.
Juventus – Zinedine Zidane
Like Man Utd, Zidane is the top AI choice for Juventus.
The Frenchman used to play for the Serie A giants and he could be the one to lead them back to the top of Europe.
He played for Juventus between 1996 and 2001 and has a good understanding of the culture, history and values.
Other suggested names by AI are Conte, Pochettino, Gasperini and, bizarrely, Allegri.
Bologna boss Thiago Motta is currently the favourite to take over in Turin.
AC Milan – Mauricio Pochettino
AI suggested that the best candidate for AC Milan would be Pochettino should they part with Stefano Pioli.
The Argentine would bring plenty of experience with him from his time at Chelsea, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton.
Pochettino’s tactical intelligence and ability to implement an attractive, high-pressing style of football.
His teams play with intensity and cohesion, which could suit AC Milan’s playing philosophy and ambitions.
Other AI candidates for Milan are Ralph Hasenhuttl, Allegri, Gasperini and Ten Hag.
Milan were linked with Julen Lopetegui but he has since been announced as David Moyes’ successor at West Ham.
The club is believed to have held talks with Lille boss Paulo Fonseca.
Brighton and Hove Albion – Ralph Hasenhuttl
AI believes that former Southampton boss Hasenhuttl would be a “compelling” choice for the Seagulls.
The Austrian had been out of work since being sacked by the Saints until March when he joined Wolfsburg.
The manager led the club away from the relegation zone and would be unlikely to leave.
Should Brighton convince Hasenhuttl to leave then he would work with the club in its production of young stars.
His tactical astuteness, Premier League experience, emphasis on player development, and ambitious mindset make him an ideal fit.
AI also has picked Gasperini, Marco Rose and Lucien Favre as potential options.
Realistically the club has shown an interest in McKenna, while Nice manager and De Zerbi’s former No2 Francesco Farioli is among the favourites for the role.
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