Mauricio Pochettino signs contract to become Chelsea’s new manager from next season after agreeing to take over from Frank Lampard despite the Blues’ dismal campaign
- Pochettino had already agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge next season
- He has no put pen to paper on what is believed to be a three-year contract
- He will take over a Chelsea side with serious problems on and off the pitch
Mauricio Pochettino has signed his contract to become Chelsea’s manager next season.
The former Tottenham manager had already verbally agreed to take over from Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge, and now he has put pen to paper to make the deal official.
It’s believed he has signed a three-year deal after flying to England from Spain to complete the formalities for his new job.
The 51-year-old Argentine has been out of managerial work since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
Pochettino agreed to take over the side in April, but was to join in the summer with Lampard seeing out the season despite the Blues’ poor form.
Mauricio Pochettino has signed his contract to take over as Chelsea manager next season
Pochettino will be Chelsea’s next manager after being identified as Todd Boehly’s preferred candidate
He will replace Frank Lampard, who has overseen proceedings since Graham Potter was sacked
It is understood the 51-year-old will seek talks with Lampard before he formally takes on the role at the end of the season, though the managerial duo are yet to have held any planning discussions.
Previous conversations between Pochettino and the Chelsea executives were described as ‘incredibly positive’ after he became front-runner for the job when Julian Nagelsmann backed out.
Chelsea have had a disastrous campaign, finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League in a season to forget.
They have had four at least interim managers, though will hope for a more settled future with Pochettino taking the reigns next term.
As reported by Mail Sport earlier last week, Pochettino would ideally like to sign a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker.
Pochettino has been out of work since being dismissed by PSG at the end of last season
He would be afforded a full pre-season to implement his methods and trim Chelsea’s bloated squad, as well as getting to know the squad before taking charge of a game.
He will also be tasked with improving the squad standards after a report detailing the struggled Lampard has faced emerged.
Lampard refused to be drawn on the situation when asked on previously. Ahead of Chelsea’s fixture with Brentford he said: I’m not going to get involved, it’s all speculation.’
The Blues take on Newcastle in their final game of the season later today.
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