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...
17. 4. Newcastle United (season finish - 7)
It's been a tricky season for Eddie Howe's side with the squad suffering from a plethora of injury problems. However, the Magpies enjoyed seven wins from their final 12 matches, scoring 23 points. | Getty Images
18. 3. Chelsea (season finish - 6)
It was an unfathomable suggestion just a few months ago that Chelsea could be anywhere near the top of the league, but in their final 12 Premier League fixtures, the Blues won eight, securing 27 points, as they fought their way back into European football. | Getty Images
19. 2. Arsenal (season finish - 2)
Arsenal finished just two points off Manchester City, despite recording ten wins. Their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in April was their major blot in the last 12 games, ultimately causing them to lose out to the Cityzens for the second year in a row. | Getty Images
20. 1. Manchester City (season finish - 1)
32 points scored with ten games won as Manchester City recorded their fourth consecutive Premier League win, denying Arsenal once again. | Getty Images