Chelsea are set to begin the search for a new manager after Pochettino agreed to part ways with the Blues after just one season in charge. Pochettino oversaw a largely disappointing campaign with the Premier League side but a strong end to the season brought a sixth-placed finish and European football for next season. The Argentine leaves by mutual consent after talks with the Blues that lasted 24 hours, according to the Daily Telegraph. There is no bad blood between the two parties but the decision was made as Pochettino was “at odds” with the structure of the club being built by Chelsea’s owners
Pochettino has left Chelsea after speaking directly with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and co-owner Behdad Eghbali. Both parties decided the best thing for the club is to part ways now the campaign has ended, and on amicable terms, rather than continue and potentially have to make a change mid-way through next season. There were no disagreements over transfers but simply “differences” relating to how the club should be structured. One example is Chelsea’s desire to set up a new set-piece department, something Pochettino has been dismissive of, but a plan that will now go ahead this summer following the manager’s departure.
Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said in a statement: “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.”
Pochettino also had some words for the Blues: “Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history. The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”
