Chelsea have confirmed the departure of head coach Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent.
The 52-year-old returned to the Premier League after an 18-month spell in France with Paris Saint-Germain, looking to turnaround a Blues side wounded following a 12th-placed finish in the 2022-23 season.
Pochettino's Chelsea started slowly but bounced back admirably in the second half of this season to clinch a spot on the continental stage, ending up sixth in the Premier League, just three points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.
Chelsea's squad - alongside the head coach - has been in line for criticism at points in the campaign, apart from summer arrival Cole Palmer.
The former Manchester City man was a shining light in a difficult period for Chelsea, finishing with 22 top-flight goals, trailing only Erling Haaland in the division's Golden Boot race.
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Chelsea part ways with Pochettino
In a statement released onto the club's official website, Chelsea have confirmed the exit of Pochettino after just 11 months in charge at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea can confirm that the club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways," read the statement released on Tuesday evening.
"Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: 'On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season.
"He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.'
"Mauricio Pochettino said: '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.'
"Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino have left the club with Mauricio.
"The club will be making no further comment until such time as a new head coach is appointed."
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Insight into Pochettino's exit
A report from The Telegraph provides further insight into the decision to part ways with Pochettino by Chelsea.
The report claims that the club's sporting directors Winstanley and Stewart - alongside co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali - told the Argentine boss of the decision late on Tuesday morning.
Pochettino had been involved in a number of meetings with the Chelsea hierarchy on Monday and Tuesday, reviewing the progress on the pitch over the course of the season.
With the 52-year-old leaving the club one year into a two-year contract, he is expected to receive a significant compensation package once the finances are settled.
There is understood to be 'no bad blood' between the two parties, with Chelsea's rise towards the European places in the final stages of the season appreciated by the club.
Carter White
