The standout candidate is Tuchel based on his achievements in the game. He’s managed at big clubs and has won trophies. Yes, he argues a bit, but he wants to be a pure coach which fits the new setup. He’d get players to back him and demand respect from the dressing room. His football isn’t the most exciting, but if he can drag us up the table we can evaluate after a couple of years.
Poch is decent and is further up the list than other options due to PL experience and being at big clubs before, but I don’t think he’s all that and seems to have a spell over people despite winning nothing and his best achievements being a long time ago.
De Zerbi is interesting as he had Brighton playing a defined style of football, which ETH hasn’t been able to do. The second half of the season was poor, results wise, but you’d back him to develop a style of play and have every player in the squad match it. It does open you up to the odd hiding as it’s only Plan A.
I hope it’s not Potter or Southgate. I can’t see either of them doing much and will likely be gone within a season. For what it’s worth, I’d prefer Potter.
Then, of course, we might keep ETH if we think solid replacements can come in and allow this currently suicidal brand of play to work. It looks unlikely right now and I’d imagine a decision has been made already and that Ineos want their own guy in charge.
Whatever they do, they need to do it early in the summer. With the Euros coming up there isn’t time to waste - we can’t be speaking to players/agents without being able to confirm who the head coach will be if they sign. We need to be decisive and that also applies to which players need to be shifted. Try and get business done quickly, allow the coach (new or current, whichever they decide) the time to spend on the training ground with the core group of players.