Mauricio Pochettino believes he has set Chelsea up for a stronger future in his one season at the Stamford Bridge helm.
The Argentine coach has issued a farewell message to the Stamford Bridge club, two weeks on from his west London exit.
Chelsea confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on Monday, and now Pochettino has made his first public statement since leaving Stamford Bridge.
Former Tottenham boss Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent after 12 months of his two-year Stamford Bridge contract.
The 52-year-old steered Chelsea to a sixth-place Premier League finish and Europa Conference League qualification, improving the Blues’ 12th place from the previous campaign.
Tensions behind the scenes with Chelsea’s owners and sporting directors ultimately led to both sides agreeing to part ways, and now Pochettino has said his public goodbyes.
“I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards, they deserve great credit,” said Pochettino, in a social media statement. “We know there have been ups and downs but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level.
“I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future. It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together.”
Pochettino will make a quickfire return to Stamford Bridge though, managing the World XI in Sunday’s Soccer Aid match. The former Southampton boss has honoured his commitment to the charity match, despite his recent Chelsea exit.
In a message to Chelsea’s staff and fans, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Soccer Aid cause.
“To the owners, the sporting directors, we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club of Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans – thank you,” said Pochettino.
“We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of.
“I want to wish all of you the best for next season and beyond. It is great that we have the chance to return to Stamford Bridge so soon with Soccer Aid, and I hope that we get to see some of you there too.”
