Chelsea have just confirmed on their official website that Mauricio Pochettino will become the head coach of the men’s team from the 1st of July.
He has signed a two year contract, with an extra year option for the club, a statement released just a few seconds ago confirmed. It’s been an open secret for some time, and the delay in making this official has been somewhat curious.
While the job doesn’t officially start until the July, Pochettino will have his work cut out before then (as we would imagine he has in the last few weeks already) watching footage of this disaster season and working out what a mess he has to sort out.
Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart had the following to say about their first major coaching appointment:
“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 club’s ownership also put their names to a short statement about the move:
“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 comes in with the club at rock bottom, and will hope that his ability to get the best out of players combined with the club’s massive resources make a good partnership. As expected, Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino are all included on the new man’s staff.
