Chelsea identify Oliver Glasner as Graham Potter replacement?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 29 January 2023

Chelsea supposedly identify Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner as a possible replacement for under-fire boss Graham Potter.

Chelsea could reportedly move for Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner if Graham Potter is given the boot in the near future.

Potter was appointed on a six-year contract as Thomas Tuchel's successor back in September, and he initially got off to a positive start to life at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea went unbeaten in their first nine games under the 47-year-old in all tournaments, but they have since posted just three wins from their last 12 in all tournaments.

The Blues' patchy form has left them 10th in the Premier League table, although Potter did steer them to first place in their Champions League group.

Despite Chelsea's downturn in fortunes, Potter - who is contracted to the club until 2027 - is not thought to be in any immediate danger of losing his job, with Chelsea willing to give him ample time to implement his ideas.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during draw with Nottingham Forest on January 1, 2023. © Reuters

However, Bild journalist Christian Falk claims that Frankfurt manager Glasner is admired by Chelsea, who tried and failed to prise him away from the German club in the summer.

Glasner led Frankfurt to the Europa League title with victory over Rangers in the final last season, and Die Adler are sixth in the Bundesliga table with 32 points from their 18 games this season.

The 48-year-old's contract at the Deutsche Bank Park is due to expire in the summer of 2024, and Todd Boehly was supposedly left highly impressed with Glasner's continental triumph last season.

Die Adler have also gone unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, including a 1-1 draw with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Glasner previously took charge of Ried, LASK and Wolfsburg before moving to Frankfurt in 2021, and he has amassed 32 wins, 23 draws and 20 losses from his 75 games in charge.

Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner on October 12, 2022 © Reuters

Potter acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his job earlier this month, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss insisted that he had the "full backing" of the club's owners.

"There are always questions if you don't get results. I was under pressure after two defeats before the [World Cup] break, that's from the media," Potter told a press conference.

"In terms of the board, I've had full support. They have been very reassuring. But I'm not naive and if anyone I work for thinks the problem lies with me they have every right to say: 'Thank you very much but it's not working' and I accept that."

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would supposedly be interested in a third spell at Stamford Bridge, but the Roma boss is not prepared to leave his current club midway through the season.

Chelsea can stretch their unbeaten run in the Premier League when they host Fulham in a West London derby on Friday.