Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after one season with the club. The 52-year-old took charge of the club on July 1, 2023, on a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
Pochettino had been under immense pressure after taking over his managerial role but managed to help the club finish 6th on the league table after a run of five successive wins to the end of the season. The club was runners-up in the Carabao Cup and managed to get to the semi-final stage of the FA Cup.
“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,” said Pochettino.
His tenure ended just 12 months short and it is reported that he departed on amicable terms as he felt that leaving was the right decision following talks with senior club officials.
Pochettino is the club’s sixth permanent manager in the past five years following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter which led to Frank Lampard’s temporary appointment at the end of the 2022-23 season.
“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season. He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career,” sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said.
Chelsea spent more than £1 bn transfers since Todd Boehly took over in May 2022. This made Pochettino enjoy a significant budget with an extra £400 m which was spent on players such as Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Moses Caicedo, and Christopher Nkunku.
Pochettino struggled to win the hearts of supporters, with positive comments about his former club Tottenham, his calm demeanor and mixed results all contributing to an indifferent atmosphere among fans, with many disliking the manager.
In reality, Eghbali is the key decision-maker at Chelsea and will have been a crucial voice in the end-of-season. He is understood to have been open to continuing with the role, depending on the outcome of the post-season meeting, but also to have aired concerns in the final weeks of his tenure.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s top scorer this season in his parting words to Mauricio said: “Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me and making my dreams come true. All the best.”
Team-mate Marc Cucurella also said: “Thank you for everything, mister. Good luck in the future.”
We at Global African Times wish Mr. Mauricio Ponchettino all the best in his future endeavors.
Source: www.bbc.com , www.sky.com
