Pochettino wanted by European giants following Chelsea exit hint

Cameron Smith

Updated: 13 May 2024 04:27 CDT
4 min read

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly being eyed up by Serie A giants AC Milan amid his uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Article continues under the video

The 52-year-old was appointed by the Blues last summer, but a disappointing domestic campaign has ensured that talk of a summer dismissal is currently rife.

Pochettino has guided Chelsea to three consecutive Premier League victories, however the west London club suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss to Arsenal in late April and have dropped a significant number of points to teams currently in the bottom half of the English top flight table.

Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital will reportedly discuss Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge once the 2023-24 season draws to a close, with many expecting the Argentine to be sacked ahead of the new campaign.

With Pochettino potentially available this summer, Milan have shortlisted him as a possible replacement for Stefano Pioli, according to Repubblica (via Calciomercato). Pioli is expected to leave San Siro following a poor campaign in Serie A, and Milan have been linked with a host of names as they search for a successor.

Porto’s Sergio Conceicao is currently the favourite to take over at Milan, but the Italian giants are also interested in Pochettino and reportedly could make a move if he is sacked by Chelsea.

What has Mauricio Pochettino said?

Pochettino recently hinted that he could leave Chelsea on his own accord this summer.

He told the media: “If we are happy, perfect. But it is not only if the owners are happy or the sporting directors happy.

“If we are happy, you need to ask us also because maybe we are not happy and we accept the situation and we need to split. It is not going to be the first time the coaching staff, at the end of the season, decide to not keep going.

“But at this end, it is always the opposite way, it is always the owners or the sporting directors. They can say tomorrow, maybe I can say 'I want to leave.' It is two parties to make a decision.

“Because Chelsea is not happy, the owners or the sporting directors. Maybe we are not happy because we arrive here with a job to do and in the end it has not happened what we expect. I am not saying I am not happy but it is always one side and maybe [we need to look at the] other side.”

Chelsea are currently seventh in the Premier League table and are on course to secure European football if Manchester United fail to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.