Mauricio Pochettino has spoken for the first time after being confirmed as Chelsea's new manager. The Argentine has signed a two-year contract - with the option of a further year - that will see him take charge at Stamford Bridge until 2025.
football.london reported in June that the Argentine had agreed a deal to join the Blues with reports stating he had signed his contract over the weekend. Pochettino has already welcomed Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea continue to complete their transfer business this summer.
The west Londoners endured their worst Premier League season in club history after finishing in 12th position last term, amassing just 44 points from their 38 fixtures. There is plenty of work to be done ahead of the 2023/24 campaign with a busy summer transfer window ahead for Pochettino - supported by Todd Boehly and Co.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, the 51-year-old said: "For me, it is a pleasure and honour to now be involved with Chelsea Football Club. We are so excited, and 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.
"We are so happy that today we can start here at Cobham in the training ground and meet the people and the staff. 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.
"We are excited, so happy, and are very grateful to all the people. Of course, it starts with [chairman] Todd (Boehly), [co-controlling owners] Behdad (Eghbali), Jose (E. Feliciano), and after all the people really welcomed us today and a few days ago when we arrived for the first time at Cobham."
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Pochettino also referenced the culture of winning that is present at Chelsea.
He added: "I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning. 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.
"Of course, we are excited. We are excited to work with a very young team, with a different approach than in the past. But I think we all need to understand that we have to work really hard and create a very good atmosphere at the training ground to build success for the team in the next few years."
The Blues boss also reflected on pre-season and suggested that there are more changes to come in the squad.
He said: "It’s a different objective in pre-season. The results need to arrive in the Premier League and the competitions we are involved in. Now we must provide the players with the best tools for them to grow, feel better, and start the pre-season in perfect condition.
"It is not closed, the squad, and the club is doing a fantastic job to finish the squad so we have the players here to work with us as soon as possible. Together, we are going to be in a perfect situation to work and develop the way we want to apply ourselves on the pitch."
