Chelsea officially announced on Monday, May 29, that Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the club's new manager.
Pochettino emerged as the frontrunner after Chelsea engaged in discussions with former Spain manager Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann, who was relieved of his duties at Bayern Munich in March.
Pochettino had verbally agreed to take the helm at Chelsea in April, but the official appointment was delayed until the conclusion of the season. He is scheduled to assume the role on July 1, signing a two-year contract with an additional year option for the club.
In a statement, Chelsea's sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley expressed their confidence in Pochettino's experience, excellence, leadership qualities, and character, emphasizing his track record as a winning coach who has excelled at the highest levels across multiple leagues and languages. They hailed him as an exceptional candidate, citing his ethos, tactical approach, and commitment to player development.
Describing Pochettino as a coach renowned for his sides' high-energy and eye-catching style, Chelsea anticipates his impact on the team. This appointment marks Pochettino's return to coaching since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in July of the previous year and his comeback to the Premier League, where he achieved remarkable success during his 5 1/2-year tenure with Tottenham, including an appearance in the Champions League final.
Pochettino assumes the permanent managerial role at Chelsea, succeeding Graham Potter, who was dismissed in March after nearly seven months in charge. Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard temporarily led the team during the interim period, but the club finished the Premier League season in 12th place, their lowest position since the 1995-96 season.
Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino faces the challenge of reviving a club in crisis. Chelsea suffered defeats to Manchester City in the FA Cup and League Cup and made a disappointing exit from the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid. Despite a haphazard £550 million ($679 million) spending spree on new signings orchestrated by the club's co-owner Todd Boehly earlier this year, Pochettino will need to address the team's deficiencies, with reported ambitions of strengthening the goalkeeper, central midfield, and striker positions.