As we close down on 2024, Strictly Chelsea takes a look at some of the top highlights of Chelsea FC in 2024. In this article, we look at Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.
Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as Chelsea’s head coach concluded in May 2024, after just one season in charge. Appointed in July 2023, Pochettino inherited a squad that had finished 12th in the previous Premier League season.
Under his guidance, the team showed signs of revival, notably achieving a sixth-place finish and securing European qualification for the subsequent season.
Despite this improvement, Pochettino’s departure was officially described as a mutual agreement. Reports suggest that underlying tensions between the Argentine manager and the club’s hierarchy played a significant role.
Chelsea FC can confirm that the Club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways.
Sporting Directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: ‘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.’
Mauricio Pochettino said: ‘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.’
Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino have left the club with Mauricio.
The Club will be making no further comment until such time as a new Head Coach is appointed.
Disagreements over transfer strategies and squad management, particularly concerning the integration of experienced players into a predominantly young team, were points of contention.
Additionally, there were internal criticisms of Pochettino’s training methodologies, with some labeling them as outdated.
The announcement of Pochettino’s exit came shortly after the season’s end, catching many by surprise, especially given the team’s strong finish with five consecutive league victories. Former players and pundits expressed shock at the decision, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football management.
In the aftermath of his departure, Pochettino was linked with several managerial positions. Notably, he accepted the role of head coach for the United States men’s national soccer team, aiming to lead them into the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.
Chelsea’s search for a successor concluded with the appointment of Enzo Maresca, who took over managerial duties in July 2024.
Maresca, known for his tactical acumen, was tasked with building upon the foundations laid by Pochettino and steering the club towards greater achievements in the upcoming season.
