The De Zerbi quote that will have Chelsea fans TERRIFIED

The Italian finds himself on a two-man shortlist along with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim to replace Pochettino should the Argentine be fired.

The ex-Tottenham and PSG boss is clinging to his job at present. Following a 2-2 draw against Brentford on Saturday, Chelsea fans jeered another disappointing display, with the Blues anchored into the middle of the Premier League table for a second successive season, despite another huge transfer spend.

A fourth permanent manager of the Todd Boehly era could well follow, with De Zerbi the favourite of many to take the post after an impressive stint on the south coast.

Chelsea have already been stung by appointing Graham Potter from Brighton, and while the 44-year-old may appear like a great fit for the side, a comment he made to Sky Sports last season suggests that he is less than perfect.

“I don’t work to win trophies, my target is to enjoy and be happy,” De Zerbi admitted in an interview.

He also admitted: “You can’t change your DNA, and my DNA is the same when I was a player.

“I studied different styles of football in the past. My vision is different from the typical Italian vision of football.

“There isn’t only one way to play, I know that very well, but I have my vision and my style.

“I have to be myself 100%.”

Is De Zerbi right for Chelsea?