Mauricio Pochettino WILL be managing at Chelsea this summer – and he’s up against Frank Lampard… but it’s only for Soccer Aid!
- Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of this year’s Soccer Aid match
- The Argentinian previously coached the World XI FC to victory last year
- The Premier League needs to wake up! More than 5 minutes before a VAR check… what about the paying customers in the stadium? – It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of Soccer Aid this summer as he prepares to take part in the event for the second time in his career.
Last year, Pochettino helped World XI to a 4-2 win over England at Old Trafford – just days before taking up the Chelsea role permanently.
Now, a year later, the Argentinian has returned to take charge of the World XI once again and will be joined by regular assistant Jesus Perez for the June 9 event.
Pochettino and Perez will face Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams – who will be co-manager of England on the day.
Pochettino said ahead of the event: ‘Football Aid for UNICEF is a huge event – and I’m happy to be part of it again.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of this year’s World XI team at Soccer Aid
The Blues manager is joined in the dugout by assistant coach Jesus Perez (L)
‘The 2023 match was an amazing experience to be part of and that’s why I was more than happy to accept a return this year, especially as it will be at Stamford Bridge and with Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, in the Opponent’s dugout. for England.
‘We raised so much money last year, and I hope we can do the same this time, so come along and buy your tickets.
“A sold-out Stamford Bridge creates an incredible atmosphere and we want the players who are part of Soccer Aid 2024 to experience that same feeling when they take to the pitch on Sunday 9 June.”
The Argentine is under increasing pressure in west London but will look to put that behind him for the Stamford Bridge match in the summer.
The Blues sit 11th in the Premier League after another disappointing season, despite ridiculous spending in the recent transfer windows.
During Chelsea’s recent FA Cup win over Leicester, we heard fans chanting ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ at Pochettino during one of their substitution breaks.
One of the prominent voices questioning the Argentine is ex-Premier League striker Dion Dublin, who questioned whether Pochettino is the right man for Chelsea.
The Argentinian is under increasing pressure at Chelsea following their dismal form in the 2023/2024 season
Pundits and fans alike are starting to wonder whether Pochettino is the right man for Chelsea
During Soccer Aid, Pochettino will have Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Usain Bolt and Tommy Fury at his disposal.
Meanwhile, England will boast talents such as Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Gary Cahill and David James for the match.
Chelsea legend Hazard makes his long-awaited return to Stamford Bridge after spending seven years of his professional career in West London.
Before the match he said: ‘My Chelsea family – I’m coming home on Sunday 9th June! I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always great.
Chelsea legends Eden Hazard (L) and Frank Lampard (R) return to Stamford Bridge
Tottenham legend Jermain Defoe will lead the line-up for England on the day
‘We won so many trophies there together. Some of the very best memories I have in football: seven wonderful years. I miss them.
‘As I enter a new chapter, we can make new history with Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Together we can and will raise millions of pounds for children around the world.”
England have won five times since the competition began in 2006, but their last victory came in 2018.
They follow the Soccer Aid World XI FC, who have won the competition seven times – and a record winning streak of five years in a row.
Football Aid for UNICEF will take place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge. Tickets are on sale now at footballaid.org.uk/tickets