Chelsea owners make huge FFP promise and drop Mauricio Pochettino sack decision hint in statement

Chelsea's owners have promised to continue to meet the Premier League's financial rules as they head into a third summer in charge of the club. It comes at a time whereby Mauricio Pochettino's future as manager is not yet certain and more upheaval could follow in the build-up to next season.

Taking to the club programme ahead of the final match of the 2023/24 campaign, a letter to the fans reflects on a turbulent 12 months. "This has been a season brimmed with challenge and change," it reads. "There have been some moments of frustration, many others to cherish, and countless reasons to be optimistic and excited for the years ahead.

"We are now approaching the second anniversary since becoming custodians of this incredible club, and it remains an absolute privilege to hold that position. Our promise to you, our loyal supporters, was to make you proud of Chelsea. The desire to achieve that burns stronger every day.

"In order to fulfil that, we believe we need to be doing the following: Consistently winning or contending for the Premier League and WSL [Women's Super League] titles, consistently playing in the Champions League and competing for domestic cups, consistently competing for titles across the youth age groups, developing and discovering the next generation of footballing talent for the benefit of the club, being responsible actors and contributors to our community, while meeting FFP and other regulatory requirements, earning the trust and confidence of our supporters.

"Please know that everyone at the club is relentlessly focused on delivering that. On the men's side, progress can be seen in a team which has been rebuilt with careful planning. We have invested in highly talented players whose best years are ahead in order to build a sustainable team that competes at the very top. We have seen that quality emerge and grow, with significant contributions from our Academy players, particularly since the beginning of the year.

"While results may have fluctuated this season, the team's performance as a cohesive unit continues to improve, and Stamford Bridge is once again a venue that our rivals would rather avoid. And it is worth noting that even in this year of transition we have enjoyed two separate trips to Wembley, losing only by very fine margins. Week after week, this talented team is bonding and building chemistry, while growing accustomed to top English competition."

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For Chelsea it comes after a strong end to the campaign that saw them win four matches in a row heading into the final day meeting with Bournemouth. That strengthened Pochettino's position as head coach with the club moving to be on the verge of qualifying for European football - dependent on Manchester United's FA Cup final outcome next weekend against Manchester City.

Earlier this month Todd Boehly - the leading public figure for the ownership - spoke positively about the steps taken in the final weeks of the season under the Argentine but didn't go as far as to publicly back him. He is set to be part of a group alongside Clearlake Capital co-owner Behdad Eghbali and co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart that asses the 52-year-old as part of forming plans moving forward.

Pochettino has rallied against criticism over him and his squad, insisting on the consistent impact of the 'circumstances' - which translates to injuries, a young squad, and mass turnover of bodies across the club - even going as far as suggesting he could walk away this summer if all parties aren't on the same page.

The message from the owners describing Chelsea's recent progress is a reflection of the steps being taken under their head coach, and may well act as reason for Pochettino to continue planning ahead for a second year in charge.