The Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino joined big-spending Chelsea ahead of last season and expectations were high.
A weak start paved the way for a roller-coaster-like season that was eventually rescued to sixth place after a strong finish. Despite that, the head coach is now allowed to leave his position.
“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 at Stamford Bridge at any time and we wish him all the best in his future coaching career,” sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said in a statement on the club’s website.
According to the press release, the club and Pochettino have jointly agreed to terminate the contract.
“Thank you to Chelsea’s ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history. The club is now well positioned to continue progressing in the Premier League and Europe in the coming years,” says Pochettino himself in a statement.