Mauricio Pochettino appointed as Chelsea manager

Pochettino is the fifth manager to work under Todd Boehly

Pochettino has signed a two-year deal with a club option of a further year at Stamford Bridge.

He'll begin his role on July 1 this summer, becoming the fifth manager to work under Todd Boehly since he became co-owner of the club in April, 2022.

In a statement Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, 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."

Owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, José E. Feliciano, Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss 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."

The Spaniard has huge work to do after a disappointing season for the Blues, which saw them finish in the bottom half of the Premier League and with a bloated squad in disarray.

Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard have all had spells in the dugout but Boehly is looking at Pochettino as a long-term successor who can deliver success.

After impressing at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino most recently took charge of Paris Saint-Germain but was ultimately sacked after multiple failings in their attempt to win the Champions League.

Jesus Perez, who worked alongside the Argentine at Spurs and PSG, will also join as part of the coaching staff.

His first task will be to decide what to do with a large first-team squad. Last season, the Blues spent over £600m on the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and more, with multiple reports claiming that several players have already become disillusioned with life at the club and want to leave.

A number of players have also been linked with moves away with the future of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovačić, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all rumoured to be up in the air.

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