Mauricio Pochettino issues message to Chelsea supporters after exit confirmed

Mauricio Pochettino has bid farewell to Chelsea supporters after leaving the club on Tuesday.

The Blues confirmed they and mutually agreed to a parting of the ways with the former Tottenham manager, who led his team to sixth on the final day of the season.

It had been a difficult season for the club following the influx of new players but Pochettino led them to the Carabao Cup final, as well as the FA Cup semi-finals.

“Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club's history,” read a statement from Pochettino.

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

Pochettino admitted he did not always feel the “love” of Chelsea supporters but had appeared to have stabilised things in recent weeks.

A run of five consecutive victories saw them finish in the top six and ensured European qualification, albeit it remains unclear as to which competition they will be playing in next season.

Should Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final later this week, Chelsea will be playing in the Europa League. If the reverse happens, the Conference League awaits.

Pochettino, who signed a two-year contract last year, will be followed out the exit door by Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino.

Standard Sport understands Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna of Sporting CP and Ipswich Town respectively have both been sounded out.