Kieran McKenna set deadline by Brighton after missing out on Chelsea job
The 38-year-old will make his Premier League debut next season but it is not yet certain which team he will be in charge of.
Kieran McKenna is no longer in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea but he is still not guaranteed to stay at Ipswich Town this summer.
McKenna is one of the highest-rated head coaches in England right now after masterminding Ipswich’s promotion from the EFL Championship.
The 38-year-old - who managed Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United’s youth teams before taking over at Portman Road in December 2021 - was on Chelsea’s initial list of candidates after Pochettino left Stamford Bridge early last week.
But as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea called McKenna on Sunday evening to tell him that he was no longer being considered.
Chelsea are now expected to hire Enzo Maresca from Leicester, who finished one point above Ipswich in the Championship this season.
McKenna could yet still leave Ipswich though as he ranks high on Brighton & Hove Albion’s wanted list.
Brighton have been looking for a new manager since Roberto De Zerbi’s contract was terminated by mutual consent at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Former Seagulls boss Graham Potter is also in the frame.
But according to Romano, McKenna has already been contacted by Brighton chiefs and has been asked to provide them with a response by the end of the week.
Romano tweeted on Monday afternoon: “Chelsea have informed Kieran McKenna on Sunday night that he was no longer in the race for head coach job, direct call from #CFC hierarchy.
“Brighton want an answer from McKenna by this week.”
In a further update regarding the vacant position at Stamford Bridge, Romano added: “Understand Chelsea and Enzo Maresca are set to agree on contract terms.
“Two year deal with option for further season or three year deal, this is final detail being clarified.
“Maresca already said yes to Chelsea project, up to the clubs now to agree on compensation.”
