Chelsea have revealed that head coach Mauricio Pochettino has left by mutual consent.
The 52-year-old returned to the Premier League after an 18-month tenure with Paris Saint-Germain, hoping to turn around a Blues side that finished 12th in the 2022-23 season.
Pochettino’s Chelsea began badly but recovered impressively in the second part of the season to secure a place on the continental stage, finishing sixth in the Premier League, three points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.
Aside from summer signing Cole Palmer, the vast bulk of the Blues’ squad, as well as the head coach, have faced criticism at various stages during the season.
The former Manchester City player was a bright spot for Chelsea during a difficult period, ending with 22 top-flight goals, following only Erling Haaland in the division’s Golden Boot standings.
Chelsea and Pochettino parted ways
In a statement posted on the club’s official website, Chelsea confirmed Pochettino’s departure after just 11 months in command at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea can confirm that the club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways,” said a statement issued on Tuesday evening.
“Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: ‘On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we’d like to thank Mauricio for his service this season.
“He will be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge at any time, and we wish him all the best in his future coaching career.”
“Mauricio Pochettino stated, ‘Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be a part of this football club’s history.
“The club is now well positioned to continue progressing in the Premier League and Europe in the years ahead.”
“Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino, Toni Jimenez, and Sebastiano Pochettino have departed the club alongside Mauricio.
“The club will be making no further comment until such time as a new head coach is appointed.”
An insight into Pochettino’s exit
A report from The Telegraph reveals more information about Chelsea’s decision to break ways with Pochettino.
According to the article, the club’s sporting directors, Winstanley and Stewart, as well as co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, informed the Argentine boss of the decision late Tuesday morning.
On Monday and Tuesday, Pochettino met with the Chelsea hierarchy to discuss the team’s development on the pitch this season.
With the 52-year-old leaving the club after one year of a two-year contract, he is expected to earn a substantial compensation package once the finances are resolved.
There is said to be ‘no ill blood’ between the two parties, with Chelsea’s ascension to the European spots in the later parts of the season valued by the club.
