Chelsea have already taken four precautionary measures to ensure that Mauricio Pochettino has the tools to successfully launch his exciting project next season. The 51-year-old was unveiled as the Blues' next head coach on Monday afternoon, penning an initial two-year contract with the option for a third.
football.london understands that an agreement was reached earlier this month following weeks of positive conversations. Pochettino will officially start his role as manager on July 1, meaning he has a full pre-season to get his feet under the table and begin planning for next term.
But, until then, the club have four weeks to lay down the red carpet. Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali appear keen to prove that they've learned from the challenges which they've previously faced so they pulling out the stops for the Argentinean's arrival.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino already has dream Christian Pulisic transfer replacement amid £52m agreement
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the four major steps Chelsea have already taken to ensure that Pochettino gets off on the right foot.
Puzzle solved
Maurizio Sarri is the only manager who has been able to help Ruben Loftus-Cheek get a glimpse of what he could have been had he fulfilled his potential. While it'd be nice to see Pochettino try and get the best out of him too, realistically, it'd just be another unnecessary side quest.
So, it seems that Chelsea have left the door open for Loftus-Cheek to leave. football.london understands that AC Milan have made contact with the west Londoners over a potential move this summer. The Cobham graduate sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season and, as of yet, there's been no official talks to renew his deal.
South American vibes
What better way to kickstart a new job than with cup of tea on your desk, just as you like it. That's what Chelsea are serving Pochettino but in the shape of Manuel Ugarte. The Blues have been in desperate need of a holding midfielder a few years now, and the Sporting CP star looks primed to take on the responsibility.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have held talks over signing Ugarte, who has a €60million (£52m) release clause. The Uruguay international sees his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade expire in 2026 and Ruben Amorim has already conceded that he could leave this summer.
Trust is key
During Thomas Tuchel's shortlived reign, the owners didn't seem to entirely trust the German's decision-making – and maybe they were right to have their concerns. By the time Graham Potter was appointed, Boehly and Eghbali had already started to build a hierarchy tree but the Englishman still didn't appear to have the final word.
But, under Pochettino, the Argentinean seems to already be trusted with key decisions – one of which being the future of Joao Felix. football.london understands that the Atletico Madrid star enjoyed his time in London and was eager to stay beyond the expiry of his loan.
However, the former Tottenham boss was not on the same wavelength. Pochettino appears to have his own ideas.
Pressure lifted
Whether it affected the decision-making of previous managers or not, there seemed to be an expectation from some Chelsea supporters – more so those from across the Atlantic – that Christian Pulisic must play. While he often showed glimpses of promise, he ultimately failed to cement himself in the starting lineup under several head coaches.
Now, he faces an uncertain future and any potential pressure could be lifted ahead of Pochettino's arrival. According to ESPN, Chelsea are considering whether to cash in on the winger for £20million.
The report states that Juventus are leading the race to acquire his signature, though they face tough competition from Napoli, AC Milan and Newcastle. It's said that Manchester United and Galatasaray have also been made aware of the his availability...
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