Chelsea’s players were startled when Mauricio Pochettino resigned as head coach by mutual consent after less than a year.
After a successful first season, Pochettino’s departure was met with disapproval in the locker room. A veteran player expressed disquiet about Chelsea’s ongoing turmoil, which has seen five managers since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club two years ago. A source connected to another player said his client was shocked.
Chelsea was improving under Pochettino, which gave his youthful team hope. The Argentinian’s departure after negotiations with co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley and important co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali has caused significant dissatisfaction. The players worry that Chelsea, who will qualify for Europe next season, will start over with a new coach.
Players have taken to social media to congratulate Pochettino, who was known for his man-management. Nicolas Jackson uploaded a photo of himself with Pochettino with “facepalm” emojis. I love you, coach. Wish we could remain together more!” wrote the striker. “But may God bless you and your family.”
Cole Palmer, who excelled under Pochettino after signing from Manchester City, wrote: “Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me and making my dreams come true. All the best.”
Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea’s record signing, uploaded a photo of himself with Pochettino with a sobbing emoji and wrote: “Mister! It was fun.” Sterling said, “Thank you for everything Coach. Best wishes for the upcoming chapter.”
Former captain John Terry, who works at the academy, expressed his sadness on Instagram at Pochettino and his staff’s departure. “I just hope we don’t sign or sell any players until we get a manager,” Terry said.
Chelsea wants a quick hire. While battling with Brighton for Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, they are also interested in Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, Stuttgart’s Sebastien Hoeness, and Girona’s M Bayern Munich has long pursued Burnley’s Vincent Kompany.
