Call of Duty fans rejoice! Activision has officially confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be the 2024 entry in the long-running franchise. This news comes after weeks of teasing and speculation, fueled by a cryptic website and strategic leaks.
The announcement coincides with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While the game is expected to be a multi-platform release, the “Black Ops 6 Direct” following June’s Xbox Games Showcase has sparked rumors about potential integration with Xbox Game Pass on launch day.
A “Dark New Chapter” for Black Ops
Activision’s official teaser video, titled “The Truth Lies,” sets a dark and serious tone for Black Ops 6. The video depicts a group vandalizing Mount Rushmore with blindfolds reading “The Truth Lies” placed over the presidents’ faces. This imagery suggests a campaign steeped in conspiracy and possibly questioning established narratives.
Setting and Story Speculation
While details remain scarce, rumors suggest Black Ops 6 will be a classic Treyarch title, known for their darker storylines. The whispers point towards a setting during or around the first Gulf War, placing the campaign somewhere in the early 1990s. Whether the story solely focuses on the Gulf War or explores the broader geopolitical landscape of that period is yet to be revealed.
Black Ops 6 on Game Pass?
The upcoming Black Ops 6 Direct is also expected to shed light on how Microsoft plans to integrate the game into their Xbox ecosystem.
Rumors swirling around the industry suggest a potential Day 1 release on Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service offering access to a library of downloadable games. This would be a significant shakeup for the Call of Duty franchise, traditionally focused on individual game purchases.
What to Expect at the Black Ops 6 Direct
The upcoming Black Ops 6 Direct is expected to be a treasure trove of information for fans. We can likely expect a detailed campaign walkthrough showcasing the story, environments, and characters. Additionally, the Direct will likely unveil multiplayer details, including maps, modes, and potential innovations for this core Call of Duty experience.
The Black Ops 6 Direct will also address how Microsoft plans to sell the game. Confirmation (or denial) of day-one availability on Game Pass will be a major point of interest for many players.
Are You Excited for Black Ops 6?
With the official announcement and upcoming reveal event, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is generating significant buzz. Are you eager to dive into the next chapter of the Black Ops saga? What aspects of the game are you most curious about?
Beyond Black Ops: Discussing Your Favorite Call of Duty Subseries
The Call of Duty franchise encompasses various subseries, each with its own unique setting and tone. While Black Ops has garnered a dedicated fan base, other subseries like Modern Warfare and World at War also hold a special place in many gamers’ hearts.
Share your favorite Call of Duty subseries and why it resonates with you in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going as we gear up for the Black Ops 6 reveal!
Acer has unveiled its latest eco-friendly Vero projectors, designed to enhance home entertainment experiences while prioritizing sustainability. These innovative projectors offer stunning visuals and brightness, making them ideal for cinematic viewing and gaming enthusiasts.
Acer Unveils New Line of Vero Laser Projectors for Home Entertainment
Features of Acer’s Vero Projectors
Impressive Visuals: Equipped with 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 compatibility for crystal-clear images.
Hybrid Light Source: Delivers enhanced brightness with 4000 ANSI lumens for vibrant colors.
Sustainability: Designed to consume less power, ensuring long-lasting brightness consistency with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan.
Mercury-Free: The hybrid light source is environmentally friendly, and the chassis incorporates post-consumer recycled plastic and recycled paper for packaging.
Acer Vero HL68 Series: Your Gateway to Cinematic Experiences
Optimal Viewing: Features like 4,000 ANSI lumens and a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000:1 provide vivid details and vibrant colors.
HDR10/HLG Compatibility: Offers a larger spectrum of color and brightness accuracy for an immersive viewing experience.
Android TV Integration: The HL6810ATV model includes an embedded Android TV dongle for easy access to entertainment content without external devices.
Flexible Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 port for connecting amplifiers or external speakers, supporting Blu-ray 3D experiences.
Eco-Friendly Innovation
Power Efficiency: Utilizes laser/LED hybrid optical engines to save up to 48% power compared to lamp-based projectors.
Sustainable Design: Mercury-free light source, post-consumer recycled plastic in the chassis, and recyclable packaging reduce the devices’ carbon footprint.
Extended Lifespan: Offers up to a 30,000-hour lifespan for the light source, providing longevity and cost savings.
Pricing and Availability
Acer Vero HL6810ATV: Available in EMEA in June, starting at EUR 1,699.
Acer Vero HL6810: Coming to EMEA in August, starting at EUR 1,599.
For specific details on availability, specifications, and pricing in your region, visit Acer’s official website or contact your local Acer office. Experience cutting-edge technology while embracing sustainability with Acer’s Vero projectors.
Apple is currently replacing every Mac with M4 chips, but it might not be until the end of 2024 when it refreshes the Mac mini. This time it’s being claimed that Apple will skip the M3 and go directly from the upcoming M2 to the M4. What’s likely, what isn’t: Mac Mini, summarized “The passive transformation can logically be thought of as its counterpart being an active transformation.”
2024 Mac Mini with M4 Chip?
Design
There are no rumors in the supply chain to indicate that Apple will take the redesign route on the Mac mini, considering it has kept the same design for several years. The Mac mini underwent minor tweaks to thickness and weight with its 2023 refresh, however, the overall design is expected to remain the same for a new model in 2024. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the “next new Mac Mini” would retain the same design form factor.
Although there were rumors of a 2021 Mac mini with a plexiglass top and other design changes, something like that obviously never came to pass. The Mac mini is Apple’s smallest and most portable desktop, coming in at 7.75 inches square and 1.41 inches tall, with the option of hooking it up to a standalone display, alongside a keyboard and mouse (no peripherals are included).
M4 Chip
The forthcoming Mac mini is slated to be powered by Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips, with Apple opting to skip the M3 line entirely and leap from the M2 to the M4. Apple’s M4 chip, which originally debuted in the iPad Pro is coming to other devices and it will also be used by some third-party developers. This second-gen 3nm silicon was first unveiled on the new model of iPad, allowing improved performance and increased processing speed compared to its predecessor.
With CPU performance that’s 50% higher than its predecessor, the M2 chip, and rendering up to four times faster than possible on the M4. On top of the 10-core versions, Apple is offering an alternative version with a 9-core CPU. It said at its event that this chip wouldn’t be utilized on Mac mini, but it seems to be keeping it in reserve for an iPad Pro and someday MacBook Air instead.
In addition, the M4 chip has a more capable 16-core Neural Engine and includes GPU with support for ray tracing that isn’t available on the M2. It is considered a work of art by Apple, which claims that the Neural Engine in the M4 chip is a powerhouse for artificial intelligence. Nothing much is known about the M4 Pro chip; nonetheless, its release is expected later in the year.
Release Date
According to Bloomberg reviewer Mark Gurman, the Mac mini is expected to be refreshed along with 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro offerings in late 2024. The most recent Mac mini refresh occurred in January 2023, meaning the upcoming refresh would occur nearly two years later. Apple usually launches Macs in October or November, so it might be reasonable to assume that the M4 Mac mini will launch around that period.
The AIFF is in discussions to revise the Super Cup format, which is currently held in a brief span of a month in the middle of the season. This past edition, the format was that of a group cum knockout tournament, which eventually led to East Bengal winning and earning a place in the AFC Champions League 2 Qualifiers.
Now, there are plans to change the format and make it similar to that of the FA Cup in England. The initial rumours suggest that the Super Cup will run alongside the ISL and I-League, offering more matches across the season.
AIFF in discussions to revamp Super Cup format from 24/25 season
🚨🥈The AIFF , FSDL and the Odisha Government signed a 3-year deal with regards to the Super Cup
• The home and away format will be proposed from 2024-25 if Odisha Government continues to offer the support. Else, it will be same as this season
It is worth noting that the AIFF, FSDL and Odisha Government have signed a three-year deal to keep the tournament in Odisha. This past season, all matches were held in stadiums across the state, and contractually, it is expected to remain in Odisha.
However, a new home and away format could change things for the Super Cup. The proposed date for the new format is between October 1, 2024 and May 15, 2025.
It will be interesting to see how the scheduling takes place, since ISL matches are played every day, unlike European leagues where they are usually over weekends. To progress deep into the tournament, clubs might have to play a game every three days, which could pose challenges to player fitness and risk injuries in the long term.
Claudio Ranieri has officially retired from club football management, overseeing his last game for Cagliari in a 3-2 defeat at home. The Italian was given a standing ovation ahead of kickoff for his final game, and has led his side to a 15th place finish in the table.
The 72-year-old ends his managerial career, spanning 35 years, which also started with Cagliari. And it has come full circle, with the veteran bidding an emotional farewell to fans after the full-time whistle.
Claudio Ranieri retires from club management after 35-year career
Claudio Ranieri was visibly emotional after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, players, and referee before the final match of his managerial career.
The Premier League winner is set to retire from football 🥹❤️️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 23, 2024
Over the course of his lengthy career, Ranieri has managed Italian giants such as Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma. However, his most prolific spell came with Leicester City in 2016, where he helped them win the league title against all odds.
Claudio Ranieri was given a guard of honour by his players after the game, and he delivered an emotional speech after the game too. He has revealed that he will not manage another club again, but could consider offers from national teams in the future.
He has coached the Greece national team in the past, and could be set for a new opportunity after the Euros, if he receives an offer.
With Poco and Realme, two of the biggest names in the smartphone space, are all set to debut their respective flagships — Poco F6 and Realme GT 6T. With both promising top-of-the-line features, and performance improvements respectively, users are curious as to which one will come out on top between these now dormant rivals. Here is a detailed comparison of the Poco F6 and Realme GT 6T.
Poco F6 vs Realme GT 6T
Display
Poco F6 has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display but it supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ meaning you can expect some delightful colours here The display pumps out 2400 nits at the peak while having a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This gives you enough headroom for an excellent experience. On the other hand, the Realme GT 6T features a slightly larger 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with HDR support and a peak brightness of 6000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
Performance
Poco F6 gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor under its hood combined with Adreno 735 GPU for mind-blowing performance and lag-free multitasking. It will be powered by up to 12GB of RAM with up to 512GB internal storage, which may deliver a smooth and adequate performance for the applications running on it.
The Realme GT 6T is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor and Adreno 732 GPU for an exceptional performance and visual experience and coupled with up to 12GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of internal storage that offers a smooth multitasking experience.
Camera
The camera department is also where both the Poco F6 and the Realme GT 6T really shine thanks to their dual-camera setups. Poco F6 is equipped with a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide shooter which captures amazing photos and videos in every light. On the other hand, the Realme GT 6T gets a single 50MP main and an 8MP ultrawide camera that manages to click sharp photos with good details and color accuracy.
Battery and Charging
The impressive part is that these smartphones are equipped with a massive 5000mAh battery life, the Poco F6 offers all-day usage without worrying about charging. It also comes with a 90W wired charging support so that you can quickly recharge and move back to your day-to-day life, which makes sure there is no productivity loss. In comparison, the Realme GT 6T comes with a slightly larger 5500mAh battery and even faster 120W wired charging support, allowing users to top up their device in no time.
Lucas Paqueta has been charged with breaching betting rules by the English FA, and could be banned for up to ten years if found guilty. The player has released an emotional statement denying the allegations, and West Ham United have supported their player publicly too.
The Brazilian has been charged with getting booked intentionally in four games, namely, against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023 and Bournemouth on the opening day of this season.
Lucas Paqueta charged with breaching betting rules
🚨🇧🇷 OFFICIAL: Lucas Paquetá has been charged by English FA with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
“It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally… pic.twitter.com/43UsRwUkvL
The FA were informed by integrity officers, who noticed an increasing number of bets placed on the player being booked in Paqueta Island, where the Brazilian was born. As a result, they have opened a spot fixing investigation against the midfielder.
He hasn’t been charged with betting itself, which has already resulted in lengthy bans for Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali.
The charges are serious, considering he influenced the events of the match “for one or more persons to profit” as per the charges. And he has until June 3 to respond to the charges.
“I’m extremely surprised and upset the FA has decided to charge me,” Lucas Paqueta said in a statement.
“For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.
“Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing further comment.”
AMD has confirmed its next-gen RDNA 4 GPUs through ROCm, which includes Navi 44 “GFX1200” and Navi 48 “GFX1201” SKUs for the Radeon RX 8000 series. Although none of this is massive news, AMD ROCm Github has recently confirmed both the Navi 44 and Navi 48 GPUs based on RDNA 4 graphics architecture along with their respective graphics IDs. Here, as expected, the AMD Navi 44 turns out to be codenamed “GFX1200,” while the Navi 48 ends up being known as the “GFX1201” SKU.
More About AMD Navi 44 GFX1200 and Navi 48 GFX1201
While the ROCm GitHub is light on these new AMD 3D V-Cache dies, a round of rumors from earlier in the month claimed that Navi 48 will be the faster chip of the two and is expected to find a place in higher-end products. However, unlike the Navi 31 (RDNA 3) or Navi 21 (RDNA 2) series, which were reportedly discontinued in favor of more mainstream chips targeting the mass market, the Navi 48 GPUs are expected to offer strong performance-to-price ratios for gaming enthusiasts.
This means that the AMD Navi 48 GPUs will offer performance closer to the Navi 31 GPUs but at a much more attractive price point, which of course is beneficial for gamers. Consider the AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE, which at present costs just approximately $549 US after the fresh prices were revealed for an entry-level RDNA 3 SKU. If AMD can, for example, deliver better performance than the 7900 GRE at a price of around $400 to $500 US, then that will be an excellent scenario for gamers looking to pick up some powerful GPUs at good prices.
Another thing to keep in mind is how AMD’s RDNA 4 GPU architecture will also include a brand new design, so there could be optimizations within ray tracing titles and the arrival of things like AI-infused FSR upscaling technology (which would compete against NVIDIA‘s DLSS). Even though FSR 3 is looking to be a pretty attractive proposition for games, using AI acceleration could help alleviate some of its limitations and would allow it to produce a better image in scenarios where it’s currently losing out against DLSS.
via Videocardz
Although many details about the RDNA 4 GPUs are unknown, it is expected that they will have GDDR7 memory in the first phase with speeds of 28 / 32Gbps and a capacity of approximately 16Gb (2 GB VRAM per module).
However, since these are only samples and not full GPU dies with faster HBM clocked at 2.048 Gbps/pin memory – it is suspected that AMD might go the cheaper route by employing faster GDDR6 dies initially. There are rumors of the RDNA 4 chips also being smaller and monolithic, which would mean that AMD has (after just one year) given up on their new MCD design.
Sunrisers squandered their first opportunity to reach the finals as they comprehensively lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Qualifier 1. The former two-time champions chased down a 160-run target with eight wickets and 38 balls to spare. Pat Cummins and Co. will get a second bite at the cherry on Friday and would want to make it count.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals finally won their first match this month, as they defeated an in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru side in the Eliminator. Sanju Samson’s men chased down a 173-run target with four wickets and an over to spare.
These two sides met each other on one occasion during the league stage. The Sunrisers pulled off a thrilling one-run win at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, defending a target of 202. Rajasthan would love to exact revenge at this all-important juncture of the league.
Early in the first week of April, Daniel Vettori discussed the expectations for his bowlers’ performance. “If you give me eight-an-over, I’ll take it gladly,” he remarked before facing CSK at home, as the nature of batting in the tournament had already begun to evolve. This statement came a week after his batters scored 277 in Hyderabad and maintained their aggressive approach in subsequent games. As the tournament progressed and SRH set batting records, a clear narrative emerged: this is how a Pat Cummins team will play in the IPL.
Rahul Tripathi. Image Credits – SRH Twitter
The SRH batters have rewritten the record books in IPL 2024. Before this season, the highest team total in the IPL was 263 for 5 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013. SRH have surpassed that mark three times this season.
These massive totals were powered by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, the most destructive pair in IPL history with a partnership run rate of 13.65 (minimum 10 stands). Their aggressive approach also led SRH to be the only team to score 100 or more in the powerplay this season, a feat they have achieved twice. This is even before considering Heinrich Klaasen, arguably the best T20 batter in the past 12 months.
There were benefits to this strategy, as seen over the last two months. In their victories, SRH had the best strike rate at 189.51. However, most of their defeats were just as severe. SRH either soared or crashed and burned—there has been no middle ground or damage control, which should intrigue the Rajasthan Royals.
Sanju Samson’s side arrived in Chennai, defying the concept of ‘momentum’ and proving that knockouts always start fresh. They overcame a four-game losing streak in one evening against RCB, propelling them into the path of the tournament’s leaders. Cummins quickly brushed off the defeat to KKR in Q1, but it highlighted that SRH was just as capable of being humbled as they were of humbling others. RR, with their recent precision, will aim to exploit that.
RR’s batting lineup may not be as destructive, but they boast one of the best bowling units: a left-arm swinger at the top, two world-class spinners in the middle, and two wily seamers at the death. The contest between their bowlers and SRH’s batters could decide who advances to the final.
Yashasvi Jaiswal. Image Credits – RR Twitter
SRH, who finished second in the league stage, are coming off a loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1, while RR will be buoyed by their win against RCB in the Eliminator. However, neither team had a good time when they last played in Chennai. Chasing 213 against Chennai Super Kings, SRH folded for a mere 134. When RR played here two weeks ago, they managed only 141 for 5 batting first and lost by five wickets.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
Rajasthan Royals WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first) Sunrisers Hyderabad LWWLW
RR vs SRH: Pitch Report & Conditions
The surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has produced contrasting pitches this season. In some games, teams have encountered the traditionally slow and low Chepauk surfaces. However, there have also been high-scoring encounters. One notable match was between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants on April 23, where the hosts scored 210/4 in their 20 overs, but Lucknow chased it down with six wickets and three balls to spare. Sunrisers will be the happier team if the pitch turns out to be on the flatter side on Friday.
Even CSK have struggled with the unpredictable conditions in their home games. Friday’s fixture will be played on pitch #7—a fresh wicket. This introduces an element of unfamiliarity and features an extremely short square boundary on one side.
The weather is expected to be hot and humid, with dew likely in the second innings. Therefore, teams may prefer to bowl first if they win the toss. Recent history supports this strategy: chasing teams have won five of the seven games played here this season.
RR vs SRH: Head-to-head
Matches Played: 19
Sunrisers Hyderabad Wins: 10
Rajasthan Royals Wins: 9
No Result: 0
First Played: 27 April, 2013
Last Played: 2 May, 2024
T Natarajan. Image Credits – SRH Twitter
In their previous meeting earlier this month, it was a last-ball thriller. Chasing 202, RR needed two runs from the final ball, but Rovman Powell failed to put away a full toss from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and was dismissed lbw. Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unbeaten 76 off 42 balls, supported by Travis Head’s fifty and Heinrich Klaasen’s 42 not out, had set a competitive total for SRH. In response, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag scored half-centuries, but RR fell just short.
RR vs SRH: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Rajasthan Royals
“I’m not 100% [fit] actually. There is a bug in the dressing room, lots of coughs and a lot of people are a bit unwell,” Sanju Samson revealed after RR’s win over RCB in the Eliminator. However, there are no reported absentees for the big game on Friday.
The slow nature of the Chepauk pitch may make Keshav Maharaj a tempting third-spinner option for RR. But if they are bowling first, Maharaj’s inclusion could necessitate rejigging their overseas combination, raising the question of whether they’d risk going in with just two seam-bowling options in a must-win match.
If they are batting first, they can start with three overseas players and bring in either Powell or Maharaj as the Impact Player depending on their progress.
RR still have two other PowerPlay bowlers capable of troubling the SRH opener. Sandeep Sharma has conceded 15 off 15, dismissing him once, and Avesh Khan, who cleaned him up earlier this season, has given 15 off 8 deliveries. Boult, meanwhile, has had Abhishek Sharma’s number in the IPL, conceding just 13 runs in 21 balls and getting him out once. Rahul Tripathi, who successfully got SRH moving in the previous fixture, has struggled against Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Predicted XII:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Sanju Samson (capt & wk)
Riyan Parag
Dhruv Jurel
Shimron Hetmyer
Rovman Powell/Keshav Maharaj
R Ashwin
Trent Boult
Avesh Khan
Sandeep Sharma
Yuzvendra Chahal
Shimron Hetmeyer. Image Credits – RR Twitter
Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH have a clean bill of health. To strengthen their batting, they can bring in either Aiden Markram or Glenn Phillips for Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, as both can contribute with offspin. Mayank Markande could replace Sanvir Singh as their legspinner in that case.
If they are batting first, they too can start with only three overseas players: Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and captain Pat Cummins. Depending on the situation, they can bring in Phillips or Viyaskanth as the Impact Player.
A left-armer bowling at the stumps to Travis Head has worked twice in two games. That, combined with Trent Boult’s propensity to strike in the first over, should give RR an advantage. However, Head has a good record against Boult in the format, scoring 52 runs in 30 balls without being dismissed. He has been dismissed thrice by left-armers but has also scored at a rate of 206.25 against them.
R Ashwin did not have a great start to IPL 2024. In the first nine games, he picked up just two wickets at an economy rate of 9.00. During this time, he was also struggling with an abdomen tear, which hampered his ability to complete his action. Recently, however, he appears to have found his rhythm. In the last four games, he has taken seven wickets at an economy rate of 6.81. Playing at his home ground, with the pitch likely to aid spinners, he will be keen to continue this form, which earned him the Player-of-the-Match award in the eliminator.
Heinrich Klaasen. Image Credits – SRH Twitter
SRH- Travis Head
Travis Head has been the MVP for SRH, often dominating the game in the powerplay itself. However, in the last two games, he has been dismissed for ducks on both occasions by a left-arm seamer. RR also have a left-arm seamer in Trent Boult, but Boult has never dismissed Head in T20 cricket. Additionally, Head has scored 52 runs off 30 balls against Boult. Despite his recent dismissals, it’s unlikely that Head will be cautious against Boult.
With Mauricio Pochettino departing Chelsea, we examine the top candidates to succeed him. Is the position a poisoned chalice, or could one of these contenders restore the Blues to their former glory?
As night follows day, Chelsea find themselves in search of a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 02, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Despite a turbulent season at Stamford Bridge, the former Tottenham boss seemed to be guiding a young, albeit expensively assembled, team in the right direction.
The 2023-24 campaign saw Chelsea suffer heavy defeats, including 4-1 losses to Newcastle United and Liverpool and a 5-0 thrashing by Arsenal. However, the Blues ultimately finished in a respectable sixth place in the Premier League. Notably, from February 5th onward, only Manchester City and Arsenal matched Chelsea’s points tally.
Pochettino also revitalized Chelsea’s home form. Between mid-March and mid-November 2023, the team managed just one win in 14 league games at Stamford Bridge (D7 L6). However, they went on to win 10 of their next 12 home matches (D1 L1), culminating in a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on the final day.
After winning their last five league games of the season, the future looked promising for Chelsea and Pochettino. However, on Tuesday, the club announced that they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the Argentine.
Reportedly, the owners are now seeking a young coach to continue their ambitious project. Here, we examine some of the leading candidates to become the next manager and take on the challenge in west London.
De Zerbi’s Blueprint: A Potential Path to Excitement at Stamford Bridge
Bookies’ favorite Roberto De Zerbi has a head start in the race for the Chelsea managerial position, partly due to his previous connection with Brighton.
Chelsea’s recent history includes hiring former Brighton manager Graham Potter in September 2022 and acquiring several Brighton players like Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo, and Robert Sánchez. Additionally, Potter brought five of his coaching staff along with him. Given this trend, another raid on the south coast club seems plausible.
De Zerbi recently resigned as Brighton boss at the end of the 2023-24 season. The 44-year-old Italian quickly found success at Brighton, leading them to their highest-ever sixth-place finish and their first qualification for European competition in his first season.
Playing Styles Compared in the Premier League 2023-24 Season. Image Credits – Opta Analyst
Although Brighton started the 2023-24 season strongly, winning five of their first six games and sitting third in the table in late September, their form became inconsistent, and they finished in the bottom half. Brighton’s 18 points in 2024 were only better than Burnley (13), Nottingham Forest (12), Luton (11), and Sheffield United (7).
Despite this, De Zerbi’s credentials are evident. He is a bold, progressive manager who has overachieved at clubs like Sassuolo and Brighton, both of which operated with much smaller budgets than Chelsea. His Brighton side played a brave, possession-based style, often playing out from the back. Last season, Brighton’s goalkeepers had the lowest average goal-kick distance in the league, and only Manchester City maintained possession longer than Brighton.
With Chelsea’s vast budget, De Zerbi could bring his attractive and entertaining style to Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea fans would need to be patient with his approach, which can sometimes lead to defensive vulnerabilities. Last season, Brighton conceded 60 shots from opposition high turnovers, the seventh-highest in the division, more than Arsenal, Liverpool, and Man City.
Moreover, games involving De Zerbi’s Brighton often saw high goal counts, trailing only Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal since he took charge.
Could De Zerbi bring goal-filled excitement to Stamford Bridge? It certainly seems possible.
Kieran McKenna: A Rising Star in Managerial Circles
The youngest candidate on this list, 38-year-old Kieran McKenna, has done a sensational job since stepping into his first managerial role with Ipswich Town.
When the former Manchester United coach took over at Portman Road in December 2021, Ipswich Town was 12th in League One. McKenna guided them to promotion to the Championship the following season, ending the campaign with 101 goals scored—the first time the Tractor Boys had recorded 100+ goals in a league season since 1960-61 under Alf Ramsey. They also became the ninth team in English Football League history to win eight consecutive league matches without conceding, the first since Manchester United in February 2009.
Remarkably, McKenna achieved another promotion in the 2023-24 season, taking Ipswich back to the Premier League for the first time since 2001. Since his appointment, no team in the EFL has won as many games as Ipswich’s 67.
McKenna prefers his team to dominate possession but adapted his style for the step up from League One to the Championship. Ipswich averaged 59.8% possession in League One, which reduced to 52.9% in the Championship, yet they maintained consistently impressive results. They remained prolific in attack, with only three teams in England’s top four divisions attempting more than their 719 shots this season.
Ipswich Twon’s Age Matrix in the Championship 2023-24 Season. Image Credits – Opta Analyst
McKenna has shown faith in young players, including Chelsea loanee Omari Hutchinson, although this season he predominantly relied on more experienced players. Only Hutchinson and Harry Clarke, both under 24, played at least 20% of the minutes.
Brighton’s reported interest in McKenna as a potential replacement for De Zerbi suggests Chelsea might also be considering him. Instead of taking talent from Brighton, Chelsea might look to get ahead and bring in McKenna directly.
Rúben Amorim: Another Emerging Talent on the Managerial Scene
Rúben Amorim, another candidate yet to celebrate his 40th birthday, has been generating buzz in recent weeks. He was linked with the vacant Liverpool job before Arne Slot was appointed and also admitted to having talks with West Ham about replacing David Moyes.
Amorim has recently celebrated another Primeira Liga title win with Sporting CP, bringing him into the spotlight during a summer of significant managerial changes across Europe. Sporting paid a significant fee to acquire the young coach from Braga in 2020, a decision that raised eyebrows at the time. However, in his first full season in Lisbon, he led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years.
Sporting CP’s Zones of Control. Image Credits – Opta Analyst
With a squad featuring current Premier League stars Pedro Porro and João Palhinha, Amorim’s Sporting lost just once in their 34 league games, finishing five points ahead of Porto. This season, they won the title again, securing 29 wins in 34 games (D3 L2) and surpassing Benfica in the process.
Overall, Amorim has managed 147 Primeira Liga games for Sporting, achieving 111 wins, 22 draws, and 14 losses—a better record than Porto (W109 D24 L14) and Benfica (W104 D24 L19) during the same period.
Under Amorim, Sporting has averaged 60.3% possession in the Primeira Liga. They conceded just 20 and 23 goals in his first two full seasons, respectively, although this rose to 32 goals last season when they finished fourth. This season, they conceded 29 goals, slightly more than Benfica (28) and Porto (27), but scored an impressive 96 goals, with Viktor Gyökeres netting 29 of them.
Chelsea’s Zones of Control. Image Credits – Opta Analyst
Amorim has placed trust in young players, especially in defense. Gonçalo Inácio (22), Ousmane Diomande (20), and Eduardo Quaresma (22) regularly featured in his back three. However, he didn’t start any midfielder or forward under the age of 22 in the league this season.
Given his impressive track record and focus on youth development, Amorim is a strong candidate to take the reins at Chelsea.
Tuchel’s Legacy at Chelsea: A Complex Evaluation
Assessing Thomas Tuchel’s previous stint at Chelsea presents a mixed picture.
Taking over in January 2021 with Chelsea 10th in the Premier League table (though only six points off the top four), Tuchel led them to Champions League glory and secured a top-four finish in an impressive first few months at Stamford Bridge. During that initial period, only eventual champions Manchester City had a better Premier League record than Tuchel’s Chelsea.
However, his tenure wasn’t without its challenges. Despite his strong start, Tuchel struggled to turn Chelsea into Premier League title contenders and lost three domestic cup finals in less than two years, including the 2021 FA Cup final against Leicester. While he maintained a respectable win rate of 60% in all competitions, his time at Chelsea didn’t yield as many trophies as expected.
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 08: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of Bayern Munich, speaks to the media at full-time following the team’s defeat in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 08, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)
Additionally, reports indicated that a poor working relationship with the club’s new ownership contributed to his sacking in September 2022. Whether he would be willing to return to Chelsea under the current circumstances is uncertain.
Tuchel also faced criticism for the style of play his teams exhibited. While his Chelsea side was defensively solid, conceding an average of just 0.9 goals per game over his 63 Premier League matches, they often struggled to create enough chances despite dominating possession. Chelsea averaged 62.2% possession, one of only three teams (alongside Manchester City and Liverpool) to surpass 55%, but needed 41 passes for every shot—an indicator of a somewhat ponderous attack, ranking fourth-highest among ever-present sides behind Leicester, Wolves, and Crystal Palace.
Given Chelsea’s current defensive vulnerabilities, Tuchel’s ability to shore up the backline could be beneficial. However, there are legitimate concerns about whether he could maximize the potential of Chelsea’s attacking talent, given his previous struggles to generate sufficient offensive output with a possession-heavy approach.
Whether a return to Stamford Bridge is in the cards for Tuchel is an open question, but his defensive acumen and previous success in the Champions League make him a candidate worth considering.
Thomas Frank: A Tactical Innovator with Ambitious Prospects
We’re not just including Brentford manager Thomas Frank because his name combines two of Chelsea’s most recent managers’ first names. He genuinely appears to be a sensible and potentially successful appointment.
Frank has consistently led Brentford to punch above their weight, demonstrating that a data-led approach with cohesive teamwork can yield positive results and overachievement. With greater resources, he could potentially elevate Chelsea to the next level.
Over his three seasons in the Premier League, Brentford ranks ninth for expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes (1.44) and eighth for xG conceded per 90 minutes (1.38). They are one of only nine teams—including the traditional big six, Newcastle, and Brighton—to have a positive xG difference during this period. Frank has transformed Brentford into a top-half Premier League team with top-half quality.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brentford – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain – February 10, 2024 Brentford manager Thomas Frank celebrate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Set-pieces have been a key factor in Brentford’s success. They ranked second for xG from set-pieces in the Premier League this season (15.7) and third behind Arsenal and Manchester City for xG conceded at set-pieces (8.6). His set-piece coach, Bernardo Cueva, is already heading to Chelsea this summer, so Frank would be well-prepared to succeed with a team that has struggled with dead-ball situations.
One potential stumbling block, however, is whether Frank would be willing to leave Brentford. He has expressed contentment with his current position, saying recently about links to Manchester United: “I am really happy where I am. [Brentford] is close to being the perfect club to be in. I can see myself being here for many more years. I am close to the owner, to the sports director, to everyone around the club. Brentford is a club where I really feel at home.”
The lack of job security at Chelsea might not appeal to him, given his strong connection and satisfaction with his current club. Nonetheless, Frank’s proven track record and tactical acumen make him a compelling candidate for the Chelsea managerial role.
Jose Mourinho, The Return of The “Prodigal Father”
Okay, yes, it’s implausible for numerous reasons. But wouldn’t it be captivating? Another return for ‘The Special One.’
José Mourinho has been without a club for four months since departing Roma earlier this year, presumably eager to dive back into management.
Where better to return than to the place where he’s most revered? It worked in 2013 when he came back, leading Chelsea to their fourth Premier League title—let’s just overlook how it ended.
Why couldn’t lightning strike twice? Plus, there’s something to be said for considering a manager solely because it would be amusing.
