Mauricio Pochettino was sacked in May (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has thanked the club’s board for their ‘support’ as he prepares to return to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Pochettino was sacked after Chelsea’s final Premier League game of the season, which secured the Blues European football for 2024/25.
While Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory means Chelsea will play Europa Conference League football, it was still a strong end to the season for the Blues after a largely miserable campaign.
Pochettino was starting to reap the rewards of putting so much faith in his young side, but he has been replaced by Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca.
The Argentine will return to Chelsea on Sunday when he leads the World XI at Soccer Aid, which is being held at Stamford Bridge.
And, ahead of that game, Pochettino has sent a message to his former club thanking them for his 12 months in west London.
‘To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club @Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans – thank you,’ wrote 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 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 and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch.
‘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.
‘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 @socceraid this weekend and I hope that we get to see some of you there too.
‘I hope you all get to have a great summer. Big hug from us
MP x’
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