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...
13. 8. Everton (season finish - 15)
After suffering a points deduction for breaking FFP rules, Sean Dyche's side enjoyed five wins from their final 12 fixtures, scoring 17 points overall. Their wins included victory over Sheffield, Brentford, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Burnley. | Getty Images
14. 7. AFC Bournemouth (season finish - 12)
The Cherries enjoyed a similarly rampant end to the season, winning five of their last 12 and scoring 17 points. While they lost their final three matches, Bournemouth enjoyed wins over Wolves, Brighton, Everton, Luton and Burnley | Getty Images
15. 6. Crystal Palace (season finish - 10)
After dabbling with relegation earlier in the season, Oliver Glasner has produced miracles at Selhurst Park and the Eagles have won six of their final 12 matches with their last defeat coming on 6 April against Manchester City. Additionally, three of those wins saw Palace score four or more goals. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. 5. Liverpool (season finish - 3)
After aiming to send off Jurgen Klopp with one more Premier League trophy, Liverpool suffered four draws and two defeats to end their title-hopes. They did, however, enjoy wins over Wolves, Spurs, Fulham, Sheffield United, Brighton and Nottingham Forest. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images