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Chelsea chiefs have been snubbed after reportedly jetting out to Spain for sit-down talks with Girona boss Michel. The development piles extra pressure on under-fire manager Mauricio Pochettino as he comes to the end of his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Michel has worked miracles since being appointed by Girona in 2021. The Spaniard achieved promotion from the second tier in his first season and masterminded a mid-table finish in his first top-flight campaign, before overseeing a shock title charge this term.
Girona remain second in La Liga, ahead of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, with only 10 games remaining. The plucky underdogs are therefore in prime position to land a Champions League spot for the first time in their history.
Chelsea are among the clubs to sit up and take note of Michel's achievements, with AS claiming senior Blues figures recently flew out to Spain and expressed their desire to hire him ahead of next season.
Michel is believed to have an 'offer on the table' from Chelsea, who are seemingly sounding out options in case they opt to part ways with Pochettino in the summer. But recent comments from the Girona boss suggest their approach has been turned down.
"I am a better coach thanks to [Girona]," he said. "The club has made my work very happy, in other teams I have had more problems. I have a contract and I am very comfortable. I think I will continue here. I am convinced."
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim as alternative replacement options in case Pochettino is dismissed.
Blues fans vented their anger in a 2-2 draw with Brentford last weekend, which doesn't bode well for Pochettino ahead of his post-season meeting with owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
