Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil has given his reaction to the news that Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea.
The Blues wrapped up their season on Sunday with a fifth straight win in the Premier League to secure sixth spot and European qualification. However, just 48 hours after the victory over Bournemouth the club confirmed a managerial exit.
Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday evening that head coach Mauricio Pochettino has departed Stamford Bridge by mutual consent.
- READ MORE: Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk both react as Chelsea confirm Mauricio Pochettino departure
The Guardian reported that the mutual split has come about because Pochettino had a difference in opinion with Chelsea over strategy. His exit was agreed by parties after Pochettino’s end-of-season talks with Blues co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, plus co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
Gary O’Neil reacts to Chelsea exit
Gary O’Neil, the Wolves manager, has expressed his shock at Pochettino leaving Chelsea after overseeing a decent first year in charge.
However, he’s already predicted that he does think the Blues will be “very strong” next season under new management.
“I’m really, really surprised. I thought, especially the way they finished the season, they looked like a good side,” O’Neil said via Sky Sports Premier League.
“You talk about tough jobs and what I walked into at Wolves. But he walked into an incredibly tough changing room with so many players that had been signed and trying to keep them united. Was obviously going to take time. It seemed like they started to gain some momentum.
“Yeah, good manager. Really good club, special club Chelsea, one of the biggest in London. I’m sure they’ll find a good replacement. I expect Chelsea to be very strong next year. I expect Mauricio to find another good job and show what a great manager he is.”
The stats from one year under Mauricio Pochettino
Chelsea fans will still be taking in the news of Pochettino’s exit. Despite tough times throughout the season, it did feel like they were turning a corner and the form in the last couple of months has been encouraging.
Here are some of the statistics from Pochettino’s one and only season as Chelsea boss:
| Matches | 51 |
| Won | 27 |
| Draw | 10 |
| Loss | 14 |
| Players Used | 37 |
Cole Palmer (25), Nicolas Jackson (17) and Raheem Sterling (10) were the only Chelsea players to hit double figures for goals this season under Pochettino.
While the Blues did find goals from all over the park this year, the defensive problems did let them down. A record of 63 league goals conceded in a 38-game league season is something the next manager must address.
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