Chelsea made a shocking announcement seemingly only minutes after their last game had concluded – Pochettino, the gaffer and leader of the Blues this season, was sacked. Although it wasn’t entirely surprising given the run of results the team went on this year, finishing toward the bottom of the table and not qualifying for European football, the speed of the firing was extremely quick.
Pochettino made a shocking exit from the home ground of Chelsea FC during a press conference to mark his last time leaving Stamford Bridge as the manager. Who will be his next replacement?
Chelsea Manager Sacked After One Terrible Season
Club statement: Mauricio Pochettino
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 21, 2024
Pochettino looked to have periods of positivity and periods of tough times while being the manager of the faltering Chelsea side this year. He left the club by mutual consent – or so they say – after a shaky season in the Premier League.
Despite looking like he righted the ship a few times throughout the year, like Cole Palmer’s hat trick and big wins, there were too many lows to justify the good times.
He went out with a bang, winning his last five games of the season. This certainty gave the board something to think about, as it looked like the Blues had finally found their footing – but it was all just a little too late. The club would go on to state:
Chelsea FC can confirm that the Club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways.
This blanket statement from the club is the best way to avoid any liability and cover their bases among fans and football pundits.
Who is Next in Line?
Four men that are considered among the top in the running for taking over Pochettino’s spot at Chelsea include Kieran McKenna, Robert De Zerbi, Enzo Maresca, and Thomas Tuchel.
Kieran is a young and exciting manager who rose to fame when he guided his team from League One to the EPL in just a couple of seasons. He is currently the assistant coach at Manchester United, showing his prowess and tactical ability when coaching top teams at the elite level. Plus, he was in charge of the teams when Ipswich won promotion – two seasons in a row.
Roberto De Zerbi is an Italian manager who stepped in to manage Brighton and did a fantastic job. His ability to pick up the pieces meant that other high-level teams, like Bayern and AC Milan, were looking to him as a replacement coach. But, he could be heading to Chelsea if things go their way.
Enzo Maresca is the former assistant to the Manchester City gaffer, Pep Guardiola, who moved to become the head coach at Leicester. He just helped manage and coach Jamie Vardy’s side to yet another promotion back into the EPL, showing his ability to take lower-level teams and choose the correct formations, tactics, and players to improve.
Finally, Thomas Tuchel is a name that we all know and respect in the Premier League. He came on as a coach previously at Chelsea, before being – unfairly – fired and leaving to go to Bayern Munich. He just left the German club from his home country, so there is a slight chance he could return to Chelsea to try and end on a high note.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
