BREAKING: Mauricio Pochettino leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

Mauricio Pochettino has departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual consent, following a comprehensive end-of-season review and a series of meetings with key club officials.

The decision, announced on Tuesday morning, brings an end to Pochettino’s tenure as Chelsea manager after just one year of his two-year contract.

Despite achieving European qualification and leading the team to the finals of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup semi-finals, Pochettino’s season was ultimately deemed disappointing by the club’s hierarchy, with unmet pre-season expectations and a crippling injury list cited as major factors.

Pochettino’s departure marks the third permanent manager to leave the club under the Clearlake Capital-Boehly ownership, following Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

In total, five managers have taken charge of the team since the current ownership took control two years ago.

The club will now begin an immediate search for a new manager, with a young and progressive coach the preferred candidate.

Potential contenders include Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, Girona’s Michel, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, and Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca.

Pochettino leaves Chelsea with his reputation intact, having secured European qualification and achieved notable cup successes.

However, the club’s underwhelming season has led to a change in management, as they seek to build on Pochettino’s foundation and take the team to the next level.