Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after one season in charge.
The Argentine coach, who joined Chelsea In July 2023, after training at Paris Saint-Germain and rivals Tottenham Hotspur, he had one year left on his two-year contract.
It comes after the west London club secured European football with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League with a final day win over Bournemouth on Sunday.
Whether it will be a place in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League depends on the result of Saturday’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Pochettino has had a difficult start to his career at Chelsea, which has been plagued by injuries – including to club captain Reece James, vice-captain Ben Chilwell and star summer signing Christopher Nkunku.
But a turnaround in form in recent months – including winning their last five league games – has secured a European place for next season.
Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said in a joint 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 at Stamford Bridge at any time and we wish him all the best in his future coaching career.”
Pochettino said: “Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of the history of this football club.
“The club is now well positioned to continue progressing in the Premier League and Europe in the coming years.”
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The club said it will make no further statements until a new manager – its seventh permanent appointment in five years – is signed.
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Mauricio Pochettino during his last game as Chelsea manager. Photo: PA
In recent weeks, Pochettino has hinted at his departure from the club, saying at a press conference that “it wouldn’t be the end of the world” if he left.
At a press conference on May 11, he said: “If we’re happy, then it’s perfect, but it’s not just whether the owners are happy… because you need to ask us too, because maybe we’re not happy, and we need to share .
“It wouldn’t be the first time that a coaching staff decided not to continue. Tomorrow I can say that I’m leaving.”
In contention to replace the Argentine is Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who guided the Tractor Boys to the Premier League in consecutive promotions.
Possible replacements are also rumored to include former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Girona manager Michel.
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