Mauricio Pochettino announced last night that he had left his role has head coach of Chelsea by mutual consent. The former Paris Saint-Germain boss was in the role for under one year and, despite an exceptionally rocky start to his season, he left the club with the security of European football, making his departure from the side all the more bizarre.
After his side’s final day win over Bournemouth, Pochettino said he did not know whether he would be undergoing a reported end-of-season review to decide his future, but following talks with the board on Monday, a joint decision was made that he would be stepping down.
In a statement, the Argentinian ex-Spurs manager wrote: “Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history. The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”
Chelsea finished their 2023/24 season in sixth place but there had been worries earlier on in the campaign that they would struggle to even make a top ten finish. Here is how Chelsea would have placed in the Premier League, based on their 12 most recent fixtures...
5. 16. Burnley (season finish - 19)
Despite a brief surge in form, Burnley's two wins and five draws were not enough to dig them out of the relegation zone. While they scored 11 points from their last 12 games, Vincent Kompany's side once again fell back into the Championship. Photo: Matt McNulty
6. 15. Nottingham Forest (season finish - 17)
Despite suffering points deductions as a result of Financial Fair Play regulations, Forest avoided relegation and in their final 12 matches, won three and drew three, registering wins over Burnley, Sheffield United, and Fulham. | Getty Images
7. 14. West Ham (season finish - 9)
West Ham's three wins from 12 fixtures pushed them well outside a chance of European football and mounted huge pressure on the outgoing manager David Moyes. The Irons 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace and 5-0 loss to the Blues were exceptional low points with wins over Everton, Wolves and Luton of little solace. | Getty Images
8. 13. Brentford (season finish - 16)
Three games won and 14 points secured in the Bees last 12. Thomas Frank's side registered wins over Bournemouth, Luton and Sheffield United to avoid any potential fear of relegation. | Getty Images