Mauricio Pochettino 'had two requests turned down by Chelsea hierarchy' before shock Stamford Bridge exit

Mauricio Pochettino 'had two requests turned down by Chelsea hierarchy' before shock Stamford Bridge exit

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Mauricio Pochettino leaves Chelsea

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 22/05/2024

- 09:24

Updated: 22/05/2024

- 11:28

The 52-year-old is now out of a job after lasting just a year in west London

Mauricio Pochettino requested his contract be extended by an additional year prior to his departure from Chelsea and wanted a greater say in signings, according to reports.

The Argentine left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday, despite guiding the Blues to sixth in the Premier League table.


Pochettino had originally been expected to lose his job earlier in the year, with Chelsea struggling for consistency.

They ended the campaign strongly, however, and his departure has shocked the footballing world given the work he did at Stamford Bridge.

Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after just a year at Stamford Bridge

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According to the Daily Mail, Pochettino was unhappy that he only had one year left on his Chelsea contract.

The former Tottenham and Southampton boss then reportedly requested a 12-month extension that would give him 'stability and security'.

Yet that request was turned down, with Pochettino's departure then announced by Chelsea yesterday afternoon.

He was involved in talks with the Blues hierarchy on Monday and Tuesday and also apparently requested a greater say in signings.

He is said to have called for the targeting of experienced players to go alongside the young Chelsea squad.

But that request was also turned down.

It's said that matter in particular has been a 'source of friction' throughout the campaign.

Yet while Pochettino has left Chelsea after just a year, the parting of ways is believed to have been an amicable split.

It remains to be seen who Chelsea decide to appoint as his replacement, with several names being linked.

Kieran McKenna has admirers at the club after guiding Ipswich to the Premier League, 12 months after they'd been promoted to the Championship.

With the Tractor Boys boss just 38, however, his appointment would represent a risk.

Roberto De Zerbi has left Brighton after 18 months, with the Italian also held in high regard by the Chelsea hierarchy.

Talk of a potential return for Thomas Tuchel has arisen, with the German due to leave Bayern Munich.

And there's also chatter that Antonio Conte could head back to Chelsea for a second stint, having previously won the Premier League and FA Cup during his first spell in charge.

Chelsea players have been paying tribute to Pochettino in the short time since his exit was announced.

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Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino requested a contract extension and a greater say in signings prior to his Chelsea exit

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Striker Nicolas Jackson, who arrived last summer from Villarreal, said: "Love you coach. Wish we could stay together more.

"But may God continue to bless you and your family.

"Thanks for the advices and support, you're a true lion and a fighter, wish you all the best."

Moises Caicedo said: "Mister! It was a pleasure.

"I wish you all the best for the future! What a person and what a coach."

Kieran McKenna

Kieran McKenna is the favourite to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea

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And Marc Cucurella said: "Thanks for everything Mister.

"Good luck in the future."

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