In his final press conference as Chelsea head coach, Mauricio Pochettino took a moment to address the journalists who regularly cover the club.
“Thank you for everything,” he said after Chelsea’s victory over Bournemouth, which marked their fifth consecutive win to close the season. “I apologize if on some days I was not at the level that you expect of me.”
The Demands at Chelsea
Pochettino, a well-liked figure, faced the relentless demands of managing Chelsea.
The 52-year-old Argentine is not the first, nor likely the last, to struggle with the high expectations of competing for the Premier League title or securing a Champions League spot.
Power Struggles and Contract Disputes
Pochettino’s tenure was marked by his desire for more authority within the club. During talks with Chelsea’s hierarchy, he expressed dissatisfaction with having only a single year left on his contract and requested an extension for stability.
This request was denied, as was his desire for greater influence over player signings—a point of contention throughout his time at Chelsea.
Friction Over Transfers
The potential sales of homegrown talents like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah, who had performed well under Pochettino, exacerbated tensions.
Despite his efforts, Pochettino found it challenging to influence the club’s transfer strategy, which focused on acquiring young stars rather than experienced players.
Limited Influence and Internal Decisions
A telling sign of Pochettino’s limited power was the club’s decision to hire set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva despite Pochettino’s dismissal of the idea.
Insiders indicated that the club preferred a “head coach” to focus on player improvement rather than a “manager” involved in broader club decisions, a strategy aimed at achieving footballing success after significant investment in transfers.
The End of Pochettino’s Tenure
Some sources suggest that former owner Roman Abramovich would have dismissed Pochettino sooner, particularly after a loss to Wolves in February.
However, the club chose to wait for the end-of-season review. Despite an improved performance, securing European football was insufficient to save Pochettino’s job.
An Amicable Departure
By Tuesday afternoon, Pochettino agreed to an amicable and respectful parting.
He was assured he would be welcome back at Stamford Bridge, potentially as soon as the Soccer Aid match on June 9.
Pochettino might also visit the Cobham training ground to bid a proper farewell to his players.
Players’ Reactions
Pochettino’s departure did not sit well with many players, who regarded him as an excellent man-manager.
Players like Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Cole Palmer expressed their gratitude on social media, praising his efforts to create a harmonious team environment, including hosting team-bonding events.
A Mixed Legacy
While Pochettino struggled to win over Chelsea fans due to his ties with Tottenham, he maintained the support of his players until the end.
One player’s representative described the player’s devastation upon learning of Pochettino’s departure through social media.
The Future of Chelsea’s Management
The constant turnover of coaches has left at least one player questioning his future at the club.
With Chelsea set to appoint their sixth manager in two seasons, the next coach—whether Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, or Girona’s Michel—must deliver immediate success to avoid a similar fate as Pochettino.
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