Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea part ways by mutual consent after end-of-season review

Chelsea and manager Mauricio Pochettino have decided to part ways by mutual consent.

The decision follows a two-day review process involving sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, and Pochettino himself.

Sources close to the club say there was no animosity, but there was a clear disconnect between the sporting directors and the manager. 

Chelsea will immediately begin searching for a replacement, prioritising a young, progressive coach. 

Names like Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, Girona’s Michel, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna are reportedly on the shortlist.

Pochettino’s departure after just one year of his two-year contract means he’ll receive a substantial compensation package. 

This amicable separation makes him the third permanent head coach to leave under Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly’s ownership, following Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. 

Including caretaker manager Bruno Saltor and interim boss Frank Lampard, Chelsea have seen five managers in two years.

Despite securing European qualification and reaching the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup semi-final under Pochettino, the season reportedly fell short of expectations. 

Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Pochettino is not a surprise to many, considering the rumblings coming out of the club over the past few days.

The Argentine reportedly wanted a bigger say in terms of transfer dealings, which the club was never ready to allow. 

Pochettino also reportedly wanted to keep core Chelsea youth players like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah, but the club is more concerned with selling them to balance the account books.

Both players have been crucial for Pochettino, and the club’s insistence on selling them must have crossed the former Tottenham Hotspur manager. 

Pochettino is reportedly eager for a new challenge, and Manchester United is a rumoured possible landing spot when he leaves.

Chelsea will now begin their search for a sixth manager in two chaotic years under the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Consortium administration.

Chelsea reportedly have no plans of rehiring Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, or Thomas Tuchel.