'Not going to explain' - Mauricio Pochettino's ominous final words as Chelsea boss

Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea after just one season in charge. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss has left the Blues sixth in the Premier League table, with a place in Europe next season confirmed.

The west London club also reached the League Cup final in 2023/24, losing to Liverpool. Chelsea ended the campaign strongly under Pochettino, winning their last five matches.

But the Argentine has departed Stamford Bridge by mutual consent, and his final words after Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth are telling. Pochettino was in the dark over his future at the club after having dinner with co-owner Todd Boehly.

"I don't know if that is going to happen or not," he said when asked on Sunday if he could leave. "I don't have any idea about this. All I can tell you is on Friday night, Todd [Boehly] invited me for a dinner and it was a very nice dinner together.

"But I don't know about the rumours about the review. My staff tomorrow are flying for their holidays. I am going to stay in London for a few more days. I am always open. My phone is going to be on."

On having dinner with Boehly, he added: "I am not going to explain. It is only for you to know that I was with him. I'm not going to talk about this. If I invite you along, and you and me have dinner, it's not for bad things. I don't believe that."

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Pochettino's departure means that Chelsea will be looking for their third permanent manager in just two years. Graham Potter was sacked after joining from Brighton in September 2022 with Pochettino the latest to depart Stamford Bridge.