OFFICIAL: Pochettino to lead new Chelsea project
It is now official. Mauricio Pochettino is the new head coach of Chelsea Football Club. After weeks of speculation, the Argentine has reached an agreement with the London side to take over in time for next season.
The announcement comes right at the close of the Premier League season, a campaign which has left the Blues without any European football to look forward to for next season in what has been a disappointing year.
Four managers have tried their luck at the side this season to no avail, but Todd Boehly and his board have decided that Pochettino is the right man for the job. This will be the first side the ex-Tottenham boss has managed since he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
The absence from the sport will have no doubt recharged his batteries to get his teeth back into a new project, which is certainly what he has at the Blues. After spending more than €500 million in recent transfer windows, the London side have only managed to put together a mid-table performance this term. It is now up to Pochettino to steer the ship back to its former glory.
The Argentine made his name at Southampton, leading the side to their highest Premier League finish in a decade. From there, he went Tottenham-bound, coming very close to leading them to their first Champions League title, falling just short in the final. He also had successes at PSG, winning the Coupe de France and the Ligue 1 title before departing a season before his contract was up.
The South American will take the reigns until 2025, with the option of another year. His tenure starts on the 1st July 2023, meaning he will have the preseason and summer transfer window to compile his squad before heading into the next term.
The club released the following statement: 'Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward. He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.'
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