Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was curiously absent during their lap of appreciation. (Image: Getty)
Mauricio Pochettino raised eyebrows when he stormed down the Stamford Bridge tunnel after Chelsea ended their disappointing season on a high, defeating Bournemouth 2-1 to secure a sixth-placed Premier League finish. His future remains uncertain, however, with pressure continuing to rise after he skipped the post-match celebrations and lap of appreciation at full-time.
Chelsea’s chiefs, including co-owner Todd Boehly, are set to meet following the end of the campaign to discuss whether to proceed further with Pochettino or start anew with another head coach. But the boss’ omission from the lap of appreciation will cause a stir among supporters.
However, the Argentinian claims that he only snubbed the moment with their fans due to a message from a member of club staff. In Pochettino’s post-match press conference he explained: “When the players started, Adrian (press officer) said I need to go inside.”
Pochettino revealed that he had dinner with American businessman Boehly this week and is ready and waiting to hear of news regarding his future at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino on the Chelsea pitch before quickly heading down the tunnel. (Image: Getty)
“I don’t know if (the meeting) is going to happen,” Pochettino added. “On Friday night, Todd invited me for a dinner and it was a nice dinner together. I don’t know about the rumours. My staff tomorrow are flying for holidays. I will stay in London for a few days. My phone will be on.”
When pressed further on the club’s summer plans, in addition to potential transfers as Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian is reportedly set to join the youth revolution, but Pochettino bluntly replied: “That is the club’s decision. We will be there if they need help.”
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If it is to be Pochettino’s final game in charge, he was pleased with his side’s victory over Bournemouth – courtesy of goals from Moises Caicedo and Raheem Sterling.
“I am really happy because the way we are in the process, we had difficult circumstances,” Pochettino continued. “We had the right idea to try and increase our levels and standards. The staff was fighting every day to provide the best tools.
“I am so pleased and proud of the players. Players that play less because they’re injured, I think it was very nice at the end. We feel so proud with the way they are working, even in tough moments. They always showed respect to us and believing in the way we present our job.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1901114/Chelsea-Mauricio-Pochettino-news-Bournemouth-snub