Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino has left the club by mutual consent after one season at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino, 52, started at Chelsea on July 1 with a two-year contract and an option for an extra year.
Although Chelsea struggled in the first half of the season, they finished strong with five consecutive wins, securing sixth place in the Premier League.
Pochettino also led the young team to the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup semi-finals.
In a statement to fans, Pochettino thanked the Chelsea ownership and sporting directors for the opportunity and expressed optimism about the club’s future.
He said, “Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity. The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”
Assistant coaches Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez, and Sebastiano Pochettino also left.
Many were surprised by the departure, especially given Chelsea’s strong finish and the rise of Cole Palmer under Pochettino’s leadership.
A report from The Telegraph explained that the decision was mutual, with no disagreements about transfers or player sales.
Instead, the issues were more ‘philosophical and related to the dynamics of working within a club structure’.
The reported added, “Nobody wanted to make a rash decision that could later be regretted so all parties agreed to sleep on day one of the meeting and reconvene on Tuesday morning.”
After a two-day discussion with no changes in positions, both sides agreed it was best for Pochettino to leave now to avoid potential problems later.
Pochettino was well-liked by the players, with Noni Madueke paying tribute to him on Instagram.
Chelsea is now looking for a new manager, with interest in Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, Sporting’s Ruben Amorim, and Burnley’s Vincent Kompany.
A return for former managers Jose Mourinho or Thomas Tuchel is not being considered, as the club prefers a young head coach.
Pochettino was Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in five years, following the dismissals of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard’s interim stint at the end of the 2022-23 season.
KanyiDaily recalls that Chelsea star, Cole Palmer was named the Hublot 2023/24 Young Player of the Season after an incredible performance this year.
