Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager for the upcoming 2023/24 English Premier League (EPL) season.
The news comes after the departure of interim manager Frank Lampard, who took charge following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel earlier in the season.
Chelsea made the announcement on Monday, confirming that Pochettino has signed a two-year contract, with the option of an additional year.
The Argentine coach will assume his new role on July 1, bringing his wealth of experience and tactical acumen to Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm Mauricio Pochettino will become head coach of the men’s team from the beginning of the 2023/24 season,” the club stated in an official statement.
“The Argentine will begin his new role on 1 July 2023 on a two-year contract, with a club option of a further year.”
Pochettino, renowned for his successful stint at Tottenham Hotspur and his recent tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was chosen based on his extensive experience, dedication to player development, and winning mentality.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, expressed their confidence in the new appointment.
“Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities, and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward,” Stewart and Winstanley commented.
“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 decision to bring in Pochettino follows a disappointing 2022/23 EPL season for Chelsea, where they finished in 11th place despite the club’s significant investment of over £500 million in the transfer market.