Mauricio Pochettino may have been brutally axed as Chelsea manager, but the players have responded with a resounding vote of confidence, commending his leadership and tactical acumen during his brief but impactful tenure.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea tenure came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, as the club opted to cut ties with the Argentine manager despite having a year remaining on his contract, following a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea stint was a mixed bag, with a strong finish to the season securing European football, but overall, it was a grueling year for the experienced manager, who faced familiar hurdles after previous stints at Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea team faced the wrath of their own supporters, who voiced their discontent with a chorus of boos following a string of lackluster displays. To make matters worse, the Blues suffered a humbling League Cup final defeat at the hands of a vibrant Liverpool side and later succumbed to Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals.
Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s chairman, had high hopes for a stronger return on investment after splurging over £1 billion ($1.2 billion) on fresh talent during his two-year tenure, but the team’s underwhelming performance fell short of his expectations.Pochettino is the third manager after Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter to be axed since United States-based Boehly’s consortium bought the west London club.
But he was popular with Chelsea’s players, who appreciated his public support of them during their struggles and took to social media to hail him after his dismissal.
Chelsea captain Reece James, who endured an injury-hit season, posted on Instagram: “Thank you for everything boss. We had an amazing relationship from the moment we met.
“I never played as much as I would have hoped under you, which I am sorry for but also something I couldn’t control. You believed in me and gave me a huge responsibility when many others doubted me.”
Read also: Pochettino Hails Chelsea’s ‘Renewed Spirit’
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s standout marksman, enjoyed a phenomenal debut season, netting 22 goals and contributing 11 assists in the top tier after making the switch from Manchester City in September, cementing his status as a crucial addition to the Blues’ attack.
The forward, aged 22, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking his former manager for his support, writing: “Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me & making my dreams come true. All the best.”
Chelsea’s Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson needed more support from Pochettino than most as he laboured through a disappointing first season.
“Good luck coach, wish we could stay more together but may God continue to bless you and you family,” Jackson said.
“Thanks for your support and advices and making me a better player and person, wish you all the best.”
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, who struggled to live up to his £115 million price tag, posted: “Mister! It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best for the future! What a person and what a coach.”
Noni Madueke, the young winger who emerged towards the end of the season, wrote: “You taught me invaluable lessons both on and off the pitch. I will always be grateful. I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life.”
The Argentine manager had recently downplayed the significance of his job security, stating: “If I’m sacked, it won’t be the end of the world. I’ll move on.”
The dismissal of Pochettino sets Chelsea on a familiar path, as the club embarks on its latest managerial quest, a journey that has become all too common during the turbulent Boehly era.
Chelsea, still seeking a domestic trophy since their 2018 FA Cup triumph, have identified potential managerial candidates, including Kieran McKenna of Ipswich, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, Girona’s Michel, Burnley’s Vincent Kompany, and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.