Chelsea have confirmed the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent.
The Argentine leaves Stamford Bridge after only one season just days after leading the club back into the Premier League’s top six.
A run of five successive victories saw the Blues qualify for Europe, albeit the competition they will be playing in is yet to be decided.
They are relying on Manchester City to beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final later this month.
Should Pep Guardiola’s side overcome their city rivals, Chelsea will be playing in the Europa League. If the reverse happens, the Conference League awaits.
It had been a difficult season for Pochettino at Stamford Bridge before rallying towards the closing stages.
The former Tottenham manager admitted he did not feel the “love” of supporters as groups of away fans called for the return of Jose Mourinho during a 2-2 draw at Brentford in March.
Pochettino was coy about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, saying it “would not be the end of the world” if he were to leave only a year into his two-year contract.
While co-owner Todd Boehly had spoken positively about the 52-year-old’s work after appearing to get to grips with a talented young squad, Pochettino was always scheduled for talks with co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart in a post-season review.
Why has Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea after only one season?
Pochettino is believed to have left the club on good terms. There is not thought to have been any falling out between Chelsea’s co-owners or co-sporting directors.
However, top brass at Stamford Bridge are thought to felt Pochettino should have forced a higher League finish than the sixth spot he ultimately captured.
A difference in vision between Pochettino and the Chelsea hierarchy was also too vast to overcome.
Who will be Chelsea’s new manager?
Standard Sport understands Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna of Sporting CP and Ipswich Town respectively have both been sounded out of late.
Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is among the bookies’ favourites too after he left the south coast club following the culmination of the Premier League season.
