Pep Guardiola is to blame for Chelsea's decision to dismiss Mauricio Pochettino, according to former Liverpool and Manchester City striker Robbie Fowler.
The 49-year-old, who most recently managed Saudi First Division side Al-Qadsiah, has shared his theory about Guardiola's 'influence on the Premier League managerial climate' after Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent.
Despite recording five straight wins at the end of the Premier League campaign, it was announced on Tuesday evening that Chelsea would part ways with Pochettino, less than a year after his appointment.
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Fowler believes the decision was influenced by the domination of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, who is 'provoking clubs into making knee-jerk decisions' as his team continue to dominate England's top flight.
Speaking to The Mirror, the former England striker said: "Apologies to Manchester City fans who think everyone has got it in for their club at the moment, but I blame Chelsea's decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino on Pep Guardiola.
"Pep himself might raise an eyebrow at that given his team of champions drew home and away against the London club this season. But the bottom line is that I believe the presence of the Catalan is provoking clubs into making knee-jerk decisions as their determination to close the gap on City descends into desperation."
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He added: "My theory is that owners, chairman and board members are now reaching for the panic button more quickly than they used to.
"Chelsea and Liverpool will both have new managers next season – and perhaps, too, Manchester United. The Pep Factor will once again come into sharp focus.
"When a club has raised the standard to a level where breaking the 90-point barrier is the minimum requirement to mount a title challenge, then three defeats on the bounce became a major crisis. If an owner sees their team quickly becoming a fading dot in City’s rearview mirror then the temptation to make a change is obvious.
"Unfortunately, more and more of them are unable to resist the impulse to sack the manager and give someone else a go. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly obviously felt that after lavishing more than £1billion in the transfer market, he deserved more bang for his buck."
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Pochettino's willingness to fit in with the club-imposed structure played a role in his departure, according to The Athletic, who also stressed that Chelsea's owners are keen to appointment a coach that 'teaches’ football.
Leicester City's Enzo Maresca and Brentford's Thomas Frank are in contention for the head coach role, with early favourite Kieran McKenna no longer in the running.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino, England, Chelsea
Jack Kenmare