Mauricio Pochettino takes to social media to make his first comments since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino has taken to social media to make his first public comments since leaving his role as Chelsea head coach.
Pochettino ended his first campaign in charge of the Blues with five successive wins, a streak that was required to secure sixth place in the Premier League standings.
However, two days after the end of their season, Chelsea announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways with the Argentine.
Chelsea have subsequently reacted by appointing Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as Pochettino’s replacement, the Italian’s switch to Stamford Bridge being confirmed on Monday.
Opinions remain divided over whether the change in head coach will benefit or hinder Chelsea’s progress under co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Nevertheless, in the view of Pochettino, who publicly showed his gratitude to the Chelsea hierarchy, his former crop of players have built the foundations to have a successful future.
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What did Pochettino have to say?
In a post on Instagram, the 52-year-old said: “To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans – thank you.
“We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of.
“I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards, they deserve great credit and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch.
“We know there have been ups and downs but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level.
“I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future. It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together.
“I want to wish all of you the best for next season and beyond. It is great that we have the chance to return to Stamford Bridge so soon with Soccer Aid this weekend and I hope that we get to see some of you there too.”
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What now for Pochettino?
As mentioned in his social media post, Pochettino will manage the Rest of the World side in the annual Soccer Aid match against England on Sunday, that fixture ironically taking place at Stamford Bridge.
From there, it remains to be seen whether Pochettino will take a break. The only realistic opportunities currently on the market are at AC Milan and, potentially, Manchester United.
Unless either club come calling, the chances are that Pochettino will bide his time, aware that he enhanced his reputation with the job that he did in West London.