Mauricio Pochettino Leaves Chelsea After Single Season
Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea have parted ways by mutual consent, as announced by the Premier League club on Tuesday.
In a statement, Pochettino expressed gratitude towards the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to contribute to the club's history, stating that the club is well positioned for future success in both the Premier League and Europe.
The decision follows discussions between Pochettino and Chelsea officials regarding his future with the club, prompted by Chelsea's sixth-place finish in the Premier League under Pochettino's management during his inaugural season.
Pochettino's departure was confirmed after an end-of-season review meeting with Chelsea's sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, along with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali.
Winstanley and Stewart expressed gratitude to Pochettino for his service and indicated that he would be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future, wishing him the best in his coaching career.
Pochettino leaves Chelsea midway through his two-year contract, which commenced in May 2023.
Despite a challenging start to the 2023-24 season, Chelsea rallied towards the end, securing qualification for the Europa Conference League next season by winning their final five matches.
Chelsea now aims to appoint a younger and more progressive coach, with potential targets including Sebastian Hoeness of VfB Stuttgart, Michel of Girona, Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town, and Enzo Maresca of Leicester City.
Pochettino's departure marks the third managerial change at Chelsea since Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly acquired the club in May 2022, following the dismissals of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
