Mauricio Pochettino leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

Mauricio Pochettino has parted ways with Chelsea following a mutual agreement after discussions with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, as well as co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali over two days.

It was disclosed that Pochettino’s exit was finalized on Tuesday morning after the club’s end-of-season review which began on Monday.

Chelsea holds no ill feelings towards Pochettino and is set to begin the hunt for a new, innovative coach, with potential candidates including Sebastian Hoeness from Stuttgart, Michel from Girona, Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town, and Enzo Maresca from Leicester City.

Pochettino, who had dinner with co-controlling owner Todd Boehly last Friday, spent several hours across Monday and Tuesday with Winstanley and Stewart, and also met with Eghbali.

This departure means Pochettino is leaving Chelsea one year into his two-year contract signed the previous summer, and he is expected to receive a substantial compensation package.

Pochettino’s amicable exit marks him as the third permanent head coach to be dismissed under the ownership of Clearlake Capital-Boehly, following Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Last season, Bruno Saltor managed Chelsea for a single game before Frank Lampard stepped in as interim, bringing the total to five managers under the current ownership in two years.

Chelsea secured European competition next season with five consecutive wins at the end of this season under Pochettino, who also led the team to the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup semi-final.

Pochettino leaves with respect and his reputation unblemished. However, Chelsea’s overall season performance did not meet the pre-season expectations, highlighting issues like a significant injury list.

Pochettino expressed his gratitude to the Chelsea ownership and sporting directors for the chance to contribute to the club’s history, stating that the club is well-prepared to progress in the Premier League and Europe.

Chelsea confirmed that Pochettino’s coaching staff, including Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez, and Sebastiano Pochettino, have also departed.

Sporting directors Winstanley and Stewart thanked Mauricio for his contributions this season, mentioning he is always welcome at Stamford Bridge and wishing him success in his future endeavors.