Chelsea are reportedly set to finalise the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new permanent manager ahead of Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest.
The big-spending West London club have had a chaotic campaign and are currently on their third manager of the season. They currently sit 11th in the Premier League after Saturday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth, their first victory in 10 matches.
Interim boss Frank Lampard has been unable to turn around Chelsea's fortunes since his return to the club was confirmed at the beginning of April. He replaced Graham Potter, who himself was appointed to take over from Thomas Tuchel in September. The Blues crashed out of the Champions League to Real Madrid under Lampard.
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And now the Athletic report that it is anticipated a deal to appoint Pochettino as the club's permanent manager 'will be concluded this week'. They say a final decision is set to be made 'in the days ahead' and 'an announcement will follow in due course.'
Lampard will remain in charge until the end of the season including Saturday's 3pm kick-off against Forest at Stamford Bridge. but the club are likely to have confirmed the appointment of the former Tottenham and PSG manager before the game.
The Reds face Southampton on Monday night (8pm) in a relegation six-pointer at the City Ground. Forest sit in the bottom three on goal difference and have just four games left to secure their top-flight status for next season.
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