Chelsea’s ideal successor for Conte is Spurs’ Mauricio Pochettino — report

Fun timing from the Telegraph’s Matt Law in claiming that Chelsea’s “ideal first choice” to replace Antonio Conte this summer is current Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, who’s of course coming to the Bridge on Sunday for what will likely prove a season-defining clash between his team and his future team.

If Chelsea lose, we’re essentially out of the top-four race. If we win, we’re not quite back in it, but presumably momentum would be on our side. Law is working off this premise as well, with the outcome of Sunday’s game (and subsequent Champions League qualification) potentially determining the futures of many of those involved, including the two managers.

The report does admit that Chelsea think there is “very little chance of taking Pochettino away from Spurs” but that the Blues will “make a check” if we finish in the top four (and especially if Spurs don’t). If Chelsea finish outside the top four, then we’re apparently back to the other two candidates that everyone keeps talking about, Thomas Tuchel (who supposedly has already given a promise to a mystery team not named Bayern) and Luis Enrique (who was supposedly Neymar FC’s first-choice at one time).

Sunday’s game is the most pivotal game left on the schedule at the moment, but if Law’s prognostications are correct, it could have an even greater impact on both teams’ futures.

It’s a good thing Spurs haven’t won at the Bridge since 1990.