- Kieran McKenna spoke about Chelsea position after Pochettino sacking
- The Ipswich manager has won a prestigious award after consecutive promotions
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Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has broken his silence over speculation linking him with the Chelsea job.
McKenna has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions to the Premier League and was crowned manager of the year by the League Managers Association on Tuesday night.
He has been mentioned as a possible Chelsea candidate following the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by “mutual consent” after just one season, despite leading them to sixth place with a stellar run of form to end the campaign.
“When you do well as a coach or a player, there will always be speculation,” McKenna told Sky Sports.
Kieran McKenna has broken his silence after being linked with the vacant Chelsea job
‘I know that what we have achieved is not something ordinary, so of course there will be speculation.
But my attention is not focused on that. Tonight is about what we achieved last season (and) over the last few seasons, not just me but everyone at the football club.
‘It’s been a wonderful couple of years, so tonight is all about celebrating.
“I know everyone is looking forward to next season and the club will be in a very good place going into that season.”
McKenna’s name has been used for multiple major jobs following his success with Ipswich.
He was appointed at Portman Road in December 2021 with Ipswich 12th in League One.
The 38-year-old is the first Championship boss to win the LMA coach of the year award in 18 years, beating Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
He has been named as a candidate for jobs at Manchester United and Brighton.
Mauricio Pochettino was sacked on Tuesday night after leading Chelsea to sixth place this season.
McKenna was crowned coach of the year by the League Managers Association on Tuesday night.
United have reportedly made initial contact with McKenna, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future this summer.
Chelsea are said to be looking for a young manager to take the reins in the coming days.
Mail Sport have drawn up a list of seven possible next Chelsea bosses, including McKenna, Thomas Tuchel (yes, a return), Vincent Kompany and Thomas Frank.
german exit BILD reported on Tuesday night that Hansi Flick, former coach of Champions League-winning Bayern Munich, was interested in the job and had been discussed in the Chelsea boardroom in the past.