Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea earlier this month by mutual consent, and he is currently searching for a new managerial position.
Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent despite an upturn in performances (Image: Getty Images)
Instead of endorsing Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Chelsea, Todd Boehly’s gushing praise for the manager turned out to be a heartfelt farewell. For many supporters, the Argentine’s abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge in late May was a bitter pill to swallow.
After a strong campaign, Chelsea supporters felt that Pochettino should have been given another season in charge. Pochettino was once the target of taunts from his own fans that said, “You don’t know what you’re doing.”
But it seems like both Boehly and Pochettino have ended up with the proverbial “egg on their faces” due to the awkward lingering effects of their previous public statements. The former manager of Paris Saint-Germain appeared confident that he had the backing of his superiors, and Boehly might have thought that a good change was about to happen in west London.
Following his team’s second Premier League victory over Tottenham this year and his 5-0 annihilation of West Ham, Boehly attended the Sportico conference. He stated: “We’ve seen the last two and a half games, where we played just beautiful football at Tottenham and West Ham, and at least in the second half at Aston Villa [2-2 draw].”
“The way we drew it up, the way we executed it, the way we built it up and moved up the pitch, the number of shots we had on board, and how fluid it was all came together perfectly. You could really see the things we were working on coming together in those two and a half games. Over the past two and a half games, even the commentary has changed. Nothing has ever changed for me so quickly.”
Though there was a sense of stability, Pochettino had to respond to rumors regarding his future at Chelsea. At a press conference, he said, “We were talking about the judgement at the end of the season, if I feel I am under scrutiny.” “The people asked that question. However, it feels as though we must demonstrate that we are deserving of this opportunity to return for the upcoming season in spite of all of these obstacles. “Who is going to judge me?” I ask.
“I have to evaluate every player, including myself, and of course the entire season’s circumstances. However, I wanted to express that enough of these rumors. If my contract here expires in a year and nobody says anything, [I] assume that I will stay. That will only alter if the season is over and I receive a “ciao” from someone.”
“Because at this time we are unsure. I assume I will be staying here for the remaining year of my contract. But enough of the baseless gossip. Instead of writing meaningless things, you should find out from the club whether they want me to continue or not.”
Pochettino disclosed that he had dinner with Boehly prior to his last game as manager. He described their meeting as “very nice,” without going into details. After he and the club “mutually agreed to part ways” just over a week later, the search for a new manager was relaunched.
Enter Enzo Maresca, who, as possibly the third permanent manager since 2022, guided Leicester City back to the top division of football at the first attempt.
It looks like Pochettino will soon be appointed at Stamford Bridge, and he is currently searching for his next football position.
