Mauricio Pochettino, 51, is set to become Chelsea’s new permanent manager
Chelsea have finally reached an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become the club’s next permanent manager, and an announcement is expected to be made in the coming days.
The Blues have been interested in the Argentine since Frank Lampard’s interim reign, with links to Pochettino first appearing days after Graham Potter was sacked in early April. According to multiple reports, Chelsea have taken a big step towards landing their man, with the deal now agreed and awaiting signing.
It marks Pochettino’s return to management, his first job since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
The news also marks Pochettino’s first return to the Premier League since being sacked as Tottenham boss in November 2019.
The finer details of the deal are expected to be finalized in the coming days, but Pochettino will start his new role in the summer following the end of the current campaign.
Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino, Tony Jimenez and son Sebastiano Pochettino will join him in West London as part of his backroom team.
Have your say! Will Pochettino succeed at Chelsea? Leave a comment below
Becoming Chelsea’s new manager is unlikely to do much to establish him in the eyes of the Tottenham faithful, but for Pochettino it represents a new opportunity to impress and get some silverware under his belt.
The Argentine will be well aware of the scale of the task that awaits him at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea having one of the worst seasons in their recent history.
The Blues are languishing in 11th place with just three games remaining, meaning any hopes of European football next season are long gone.
Pochettino may indeed welcome that, as one less fixture will give him more time to come to grips with a talented but flawed squad.
The Argentine is rumored to have identified which areas of the Chelsea squad he wants to strengthen, with Pochettino said to be keen to offer a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and center forward as part of his transfer options. – List.
Given the Blues’ high-spending record under current owner Todd Bohli, there’s every chance Pochettino’s wishes will be granted in that regard.
For now, interim manager Lampard must focus on finishing the season as strongly as possible so that the club is in top form by the time he hands over the reins to Pochettino.