Mauricio Pochettino faces an awkward return to Chelsea – a little over two weeks after his exit – with Stamford Bridge comeback already agreed

Mauricio Pochettino returns to Chelsea just 19 days after agreeing to leave. He faces a difficult reunion with the Stamford Bridge crowd after his backdoor departure at the end of the season.

Pochettino’s one-year reign as manager came to an end on Tuesday when the Blues announced a ‘mutual agreement’ to release him from his position halfway through his two-year contract.

But Pochettino, 52, already has a date penciled in to be back at Stamford Bridge.

He will lead the ‘World XI’ at Soccer Aid on Sunday 9 June, hosted at Chelsea’s stadium.

And with a large number of Chelsea fans expected to be present for the return of Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard, it could be an awkward occasion for their recently ousted manager.

Pochettino kept a low profile and did not publicly say goodbye to Chelsea fans on Sunday

Pochettino did not say goodbye to Chelsea supporters in their final match of the season – a 2-1 win against Bournemouth – on Sunday. He left Thiago Silva to address the crowd after his last match.

The manager, who some fans continue to hold a grudge against due to his past at rivals Tottenham, headed straight into the tunnel to carry out his media duties as his players took part in a lap of honour.

The Argentine’s lack of involvement with the supporters has been a constant complaint from the public since he took charge last summer.

Pochettino said in a statement after being relieved of his duties: ‘Thank you to Chelsea’s ownership group and sporting directors for this opportunity.

“The club is now well positioned to continue to progress in the Premier League and Europe in the coming years.”

Pochettino will be joined at Stamford Bridge by his long-time assistant Jesus Perez, and said earlier this year: ‘Football Aid for UNICEF is a huge event – ​​and I’m happy to be part of it again.

‘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.”