Chelsea confirm departure of Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea have confirmed the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent after a solitary season.

The Argentine tactician was appointed by the Blues last summer and it was anticipated that he could guide them back to the Champions League.

However, he struggled to find the right team balance due to injuries. The Blues failed to find momentum until the final month of the season.

Chelsea qualified for the Europa League with a sixth-place finish, but they could be demoted to the Conference League if Manchester United win the FA Cup this weekend.

The Blues have now confirmed that they have parted company with Pochettino. The search is underway for a young and talented manager.

Pochettino said: "Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club's history."

"The Club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come."

Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna has emerged as one of the front-runners for the vacancy alongside Roberto De Zerbi, who is a free-agent.