Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The 51-year-old signed a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with the option for a third season, to return to management for the first time since being sacked by French giants Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Pochettino emerged as a frontrunner for the job vacated by Graham Potter, and subsequently taken by Frank Lampard on an interim basis, after talks with former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann broke down.
It is understood that the Blues initially held reservations that the Argentine’s emotional attachment to rivals Spurs would prevent him from moving to Stamford Bridge but talks were positive.
Pochettino was also linked with a return to north London following the departure of Antonio Conte but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy did not make an approach.
Instead, Pochettino now becomes the third permanent manager, and fifth including interims, of the Todd Boehly-Clearklake Capital era at Chelsea.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward.
“He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.”
The Blues endured a nightmare first season under their new owners, finishing in mid-table despite record-breaking transfer spending to the tune of around £600million.
Pochettino is keen to add a striker and goalkeeper to a bloated squad which needs to be trimmed down over the summer.
A statement from the club’s owners added: “The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of. We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea. Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board.”
Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino have also joined as backroom staff.
