Mauricio Pochettino is set to begin his reign as Chelsea new manager as he arrived to the club’s base at Cobham today, July 3.
In a footage shared by Chelsea on the club’s social media handle captioned, “this is where it starts,” the Argentine football tactician could be seen being driven in via a grey vehicle to the Cobham House.
The former Southampton and Tottenham manager immediately stepped out of the vehicle and hugged some Chelsea staff who were present to welcome him on his first day as Chelsea manager.
After exchanging pleasantries with the staff, the Argentinian heads straight to the Cobham building where he will be expected to commence duties as the club’s new manager.
Mauricio Pochettino emerged as a top contender for the Chelsea job with European football veterans such as Luis Enrique of Spain and Julian Nagelsmann of Germany lining up for the offer.
Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked at Bayern Munich, later pulled out of the race due to what he considered as a dragging round of talks and negotiations with no specifics.
Luis Enrique also met with Chelsea hierarchy on face-to-face talks but later exited the race after the club went ahead with their interim management plan with Frank Lampard appointed as interim manager.
After Nagelsmann and Enrique exited the race, Mauricio Pochettino emerged as a top favorite for the job and was subsequently appointed as the club’s new manager.
A huge task awaits Mauricio Pochettino as he resumes as Chelsea manager today, July 3. While Chelsea may not likely contend for the Premier League title next season, Mauricio Pochettino has been saddled with the role of returning the club to their elite level and a top four finish next season.
Mauricio Pochettino is taking over a widely gutted Chelsea squad with a different look from last season. Most first team players have left the club following Todd Boehly’s first massive overhaul this summer as the American prepares for a fresh new era after last season’s dismal campaign.
With the exits of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and other first team stars, Pochettino will have to immediately whip his new squad into shape before next season’s campaign.
The 51-year-old will take charge of the club’s preseason trip to the US before kick-starting his 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a crunch tie against Liverpool on August 13 at Stamford Bridge.
Under his watch, Chelsea have signed Senegalese and Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson with Christopher Nkunku joining on a pre-contract agreement from RB Leipzig.
The club is also stepping up their pursuit of Brighton midfield sensation, Declan Rice to bolster the squad ahead of next campaign.
It is believed with the flurry of exits from Chelsea this summer, Pochettino is more likely to face a tough time molding the team into his style and delivering results. However, an improved performance, departing from last season’s dismal campaign is expected.
“The most important thing is to win,” – Mauricio Pochettino on first interview
Speaking on his first interview as Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino said he is ready to return Chelsea to winning ways as he takes over the reigns as Chelsea new manager.
Pochettino added it was easy to make a decision to join Chelsea as he had known the club as one of the biggest club in England and in the world.
“I know Chelsea very well, it is one of the greatest clubs in the world. So of course, it was easy for us to make the decision to move here.
‘In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England. I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win.
‘‘It is exciting for us and what we want is to bring the happiness again to this great football club.
‘‘We will work hard, play in a way the fans can enjoy football, and the history of Chelsea is to win – but it is important also in the way we are going to build those victories.
‘‘I always believe that together we can achieve everything – you can’t put a limit. We are going to try to fight with this to be all together on a fantastic journey together.’
‘‘In the end, the most important thing in football is for them [fans] to be happy and to feel proud of us and in the way we approach games. The players need to know that.
‘’We need to be sure that we bring what the club needs to be at the top because the history of the club is to be at the top.’’
