Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali did not verbally confirm the expected arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as manager when asked at an NBA match.
Eghbali was seen at the LA Lakers win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, with Chelsea's hierarchy reportedly in Los Angeles to debate the management situation.
The 46-year-old Iranian-born businessman is co-founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital, who took over the running of Chelsea Football Club last summer.
However, there was a glint in the businessman's eye when Pochettino was mentioned that suggests it might just be a done deal.
A Chelsea fan spotted Eghbali and asked 'Who's the next Chelsea manager?'
Eghbali responded: 'Who do you want?' The fan said they wanted former Spain and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, but said 'you're getting Pochettino right?'
Eghbali winked and simply said: 'Maybe, maybe'.
Pochettino has been out of management since leaving PSG last summer, and also previously spent five years in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.
However, previous reports suggest that the Argentinian boss could be offered the Chelsea role imminently, as senior Blues bosses talk the situation over in California.
The club's owners, and chairman Todd Boehly, were less than impressed with Chelsea's early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid, while simultaneously continuing to lose ground in the Premier League.
Chelsea have dropped to 12th place in the top flight following Crystal Palace's win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Blues next face a trip to the Emirates on Tuesday night, with Arsenal desperate to get back to winning ways after losing form.
yibbciktz
0
I don't think that Chelsea fan's no the important of this man pochettino He is a good Coach but you guys are trying to underestimate this man but you will see the outcome of this man you are the one that is going to be praising him that he is a good Coach please guys let's us give him time he will solve all the problems that Chelsea are facing for now. This is the way you guys were estimating Our Formal coach TT
Sodilmnsz
1
I dont know why Chelsea always fall on the wrong side so for example if USA decides to sanctions Iran which mean we are in trouble because of him why always us
Noheimprsu
1
Enrique also is a doubt just put hope in poch he will bring Chelsea in form
Kohadlmntz
1
but the fact is that he has premier league expiriance please bring him and give him some time to see what he can offer please
dekbkrstz
1
Pochettino over Luis Enrique is the same as choosing a bicycle over a Rolls Royce.its unbelievable.