Mauricio Pochettino set for very awkward return to Stamford Bridge less than two weeks after Chelsea exit
CHELSEA have been accused of “loving awkward” – after ousting Maurico Pochettino two weeks before he manages a World XI at Stamford Bridge.
Fans shocked by Poch’s departure rounded on the “crazy” uncomfortable timing ahead of Soccer Aid against FRANK LAMPARD‘s England XI.
It means two bosses with unceremonious exits from Stamford Bridge will clash in the annual charity match for Unicef on June 9.
Lampard’s fellow Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is in Pochettino‘s squad.
And supporters were dumbfounded by the Argentinian leaving so close to what should be a fun summer’s night at the Bridge.
One fan posted: “I literally said surely we couldn’t sack him before that, it would be so awkward. Turns out we love awkward.”
Other incredulous reactions included: “No way” … “lol”… “so awkward”… and “crazy world”.
It was also labelled the “final dagger” by one Chelsea supporter.
Lampard and ex-Real Madrid playmaker Hazard will make their Soccer Aid debut along with Ashes icon Stuart Broad, Gladiators’ Diamond, Bobby Brazier, Sam Thompson and Erin Doherty.
Returning sports celebs include Usain Bolt, Harry Redknapp, Jesus Perez, Jill Scott, Karen Carney, Jermain Defoe, Mo Farah, David James, Joe Cole, Tommy Fury, Gary Cahill, David Seaman, Roberto Carlos and Jack Wilshere.
Who could be the next Chelsea manager?
HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
Kieran McKenna
The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
Enzo Maresca
Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
Hansi Flick
Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
Sebastian Hoeness
Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
Michel
Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
Jose Mourinho
Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?
Amongst other “names” taking part are Robbie Williams, Roman Kemp, Martin Compston, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Paddy McGuinness, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan and Maisie Adam.
Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will host ITV’s coverage.
O’Leary said: “We’re one big team at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, united by a goal to help protect play for children everywhere.
Buying a ticket for this year’s star-studded match will help give children a chance to grow up happy and healthy.
“Whoever you support, I know it’s going to an absolutely fantastic night at Stamford Bridge”.
Pochettino’s Chelsea record
MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
Premier League – 6th
FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
Total record:
Games 51
Wins 26
Draws 11
Defeats 14
Goals for 103
Goals against 74