Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has named the manager he wants as replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino is facing scrutiny at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing debut season, with Jose Mourinho seen as a leading candidate to replace him next year.

However, Petit believes that Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who is also a top contender for the Liverpool position, would be a more appropriate choice to replace Pochettino as Chelsea boss.

Alonso has guided Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga standings, establishing a five-point lead over Bayern Munich after securing a 3-0 victory against Thomas Tuchel’s team on Saturday.

“I think that Chelsea need a proper manager with a vision, just like what [Mikel] Arteta had for Arsenal,” Petit told Betway.

“But they need to give him time to implement what he wants to do with the players.

“Mourinho is free, so he could be an option. But he’s not my preference, there are new managers who are doing great things.

“I’m thinking about Xabi Alonso for example, I’m very impressed with his work in Germany but there are many great managers that are available.

“Mourinho could be a choice, he’s been successful at the club but we all know that he comes with drama.

“I’m not sure that’s what Chelsea need. They need someone calm and need continuity at the club.”

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed his satisfaction with Conor Gallagher’s contribution to Chelsea’s recent Premier League win.

Gallagher was named ‘Man of the Match’ after scoring twice in the second half to help Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Monday night.

Pochettino said of the 23-year-old: “He’s a player with great commitment with the team. Always trying to compensate every situation in an offensive and defensive situation and that is priceless to have a player like him.

“I’m so happy for him and I’m so happy for the team because it’s a victory we needed, the three points. Yes, to confirm the reaction after Wolverhampton, it was a very good game against Aston Villa and it was a great opportunity.

“If you ask me if I’m really happy about the performance; I’m 50-50 because the first-half, the performance was not the way we should start the game. That is the consistency we need to build. I try and explain in every single press conference that we need time.”

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer has revealed who has helped him become a better player at Chelsea.

Do you agree with Petit that Alonso should replace Pochettino as Chelsea manager?