By James Cormack
Todd Boehly's project in west London has pointed towards long-termism, and despite a bumpy 2023/24, Chelsea seemed to be on the right track under Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues ended a rather tumultuous season with five successive Premier League wins to secure a return to European football. An odd feeling of stability was starting to prevail over Stamford Bridge, with players and manager received generously as they embarked on their lap of honour following their final day victory over Bournemouth.
However, any apparent stability and optimism has been undermined by the decision to part ways with Pochettino.
The Argentine's debut campaign was far from plain sailing, and there were genuine questions raised throughout the season about whether Pochettino was the right man to lead this rebuild, especially with some quarters of the fanbase struggling to accept him given his Tottenham past.
There were distinct lows and tactical concerns, but the timing of this decision is odd given how well the Blues finished 2023/24.
Why did Mauricio Pochettino leave Chelsea?
Pochettino has left the club by mutual consent after co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart led an internal review of the manager's debut season.
Thus, this wasn't a sacking as such. Pochettino was content to depart, too.
“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," the Argentine said of his exit.
Despite building considerable momentum in the final weeks of the season, Pochettino is said to have wanted out of Chelsea for weeks before the decision was eventually made. The former Spurs boss found the environment in west London difficult to work in, and had been aggravated by the club's transfer policy with homegrown stars Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah potentially leaving this summer.
