Revealed: How Ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino could lift trophy at Stamford Bridge in two weeks’ time as he faces awkward return
- Mauricio Pochettino will still be manager of Soccer Aid despite his departure from Chelsea
- Pochettino will lead the world team, including ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard
- Chelsea are ‘mind-boggling’… Mauricio Pochettino has NOT failed – where do the Blues go from here? Listen to the It all starts! Podcast
Mauricio Pochettino will make good on his promise as manager in the Soccer Aid charity match, meaning the former Chelsea head coach will have the unusual prospect of lifting a trophy at Stamford Bridge in two weeks’ time.
Sources say Pochettino has not withdrawn from the June 9 match after parting ways with the Premier League club by mutual agreement on Tuesday. He is considered one of the most thoughtful characters in football and adds that he has no intention of backing down.
The 52-year-old Argentinian and his assistant Jesus Perez are in line to lead the World XI, which will include former Chelsea greats such as Eden Hazard, Petr Cech, John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien, while Frank Lampard is one of those overseeing England. team.
Pochettino could still be forced to withdraw if his schedule suddenly changes, including as he is in talks to take over at another club, with Manchester United linked with him this week. But currently he is planning to take part in the big night raising money for UNICEF.
Mauricio Pochettino will still manage Soccer Aid despite his departure from Chelsea
Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez are in line to lead the World XI at Stamford Bridge
Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard is among the players Pochettino will coach
Pochettino won the 2023 Soccer Aid match, held at Old Trafford, raising over £14 million.
The return to Stamford Bridge will also give Pochettino the opportunity to say goodbye to some Chelsea supporters. He was denied that opportunity after their final match against Bournemouth – a fifth successive win that secured European qualification – as he carried out his media duties while the players carried out their round of appreciation.
