It seems like this is the season for shock managerial departures. Just days after Roberto de Zerbi finalised his departure from Brighton at the end of the season, a bolt from the Blues has arrived. Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea with immediate effect and the suddenness of the departure poses more questions than answers.
Chelsea had a strong finish to the season and the hope was that they would build on it with their young core and a manager who was getting to grips with it all. However, with the shock announcement, there is a feeling that maybe Pochettino has another job lined up already.
While the potential De Zerbi to Bayern Munich rumours were turned off as quickly as they began, the thoughts turn to Mauricio Pochettino’s next club. If he is on the mark for another major European job, it seems unlikely to be a short-term fix. Perhaps he is already courting the opportunity to rebuild his career, leveraging his connection with Bayern Munich. It’s a tantalizing prospect, especially given the Harry Kane factor. The striker found his footing in the game under Pochettino and a return, combined with finally winning some trophies, could nicely bookend a spell that began at Tottenham.
Another contender for Pochettino’s next move could be Manchester United. Close ties with INEOS, formerly linked to United, championed as the promoter of youth, and suddenly out of work. The stars perfectly align for this move to happen. Erik ten Hag beat out competition from Pochettino two years ago to secure the United job, but his stock has never been lower. Chelsea’s surge ahead of United in the second half of the season, despite similar injury problems and a chaotic executive structure, could be the final nail in his coffin, hammered by Pochettino.
