OFFICIAL: Chelsea have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager

Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager, has been appointed as the new permanent head coach of Chelsea. The announcement was made by the club after Pochettino signed an initial two-year deal with the option of an additional one year.

The Argentine coach, who has been out of work since being sacked by PSG last summer, emerged as the frontrunner for the job after Julian Nagelsmann dropped out of the running. Pochettino is highly regarded in the football world for his tactical nous and ability to develop young players.

Pochettino will have a major task on his hands as he seeks to turn around Chelsea’s fortunes. The club has been underperforming in recent seasons, despite spending more than £600million in the 2022-23 season. Graham Potter and interim boss Frank Lampard have been unable to find a winning formula for the team.

Pochettino is known for his high-pressing, attacking style of play and is likely to bring his long-serving assistants Jesus Perez and Toni Jiminez with him to Stamford Bridge. His sports-scientist son Sebastiano could also have a position at the club.

The 51-year-old has a reputation for developing young talent, having brought through a number of players during his time at Southampton and Tottenham. This could be good news for Chelsea’s academy graduates, who have struggled to break into the first team in recent years.

Chelsea  owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, will be hoping that Pochettino can bring success to the club, with the Argentine having previously led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019.

Pochettino’s return to English football will be eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike. His appointment is a statement of intent from Chelsea, who are looking to return to the top of English and European football. With Pochettino at the helm, the Blues will be hoping to challenge for major honours in the coming seasons.