After months of speculation, Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new manager of Chelsea Football Club, replacing Frank Lampard on a two-year deal. Lampard’s final game as boss was against Newcastle United in the English Premier League, and Pochettino will be tasked with rebuilding the club after its worst season in 30 years.
Pochettino, who previously coached Tottenham Hotspur and left Paris Saint-Germain last year, was Chelsea’s first choice for the role. The club’s co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, led the search for a new boss, which included conversations with other coaches like Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, and Vincent Kompany.
According to sources, Pochettino had been satisfied from early in the process that he could work within Chelsea’s sporting structure. His experience, tactical approach, and commitment to development make him an exceptional candidate who will work closely with the co-sporting directors as the club looks to rebuild.
One of Pochettino’s first tasks will be to review the squad of 34 first-team players and decide who will be part of his plans and who can leave. The club also faces pressure to sell players to meet Financial Fair Play rules after spending around £600 million on transfers in the last 12 months.
In a statement, Winstanley and Stewart said, “Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities, and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward. He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.”
Pochettino’s contract with Chelsea includes an option for a third season. With his leadership qualities and impressive track record, fans will be hoping that he can guide the team back to their former glory.
