Official | Former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino appointed as Chelsea head coach

Former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has been officially announced as Chelsea’s new head coach. The Argentine tactician will commence his role on 1 July 2023, signing a two-year contract with the option for a further year.

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said “Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward.  He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.”

The search for a permanent replacement for Graham Potter had been underway since his departure from Chelsea on April 3. The Blues finished 12th in the Premier League following Frank Lampard’s return to the club as interim manager.

Chelsea owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, José E. Feliciano, Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss added added “The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of. We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea. Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board.”

Pochettino is a coach renowned for his sides’ high-energy and eye-catching style and he has built a reputation for helping young players realise their full potential within a strong squad ethos.

Pochettino led PSG to a Ligue 1 title in his first full season with a 15 point lead over Marseille. However, Les Parisiens failed to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, which partly led to his sacking. The Argentine had since been out of a managerial role.

GFFN | George Boxal