Where next for Mauricio Pochettino? Man Utd mentioned after shock Chelsea exit

Mauricio Pochettino finds himself looking for work after leaving Chelsea on Tuesday - we take a look at his career so far amid talk that Manchester United might move for him.

Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford has already been the subject of much speculation following an inconsistent season that culminated in an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.

They are in Saturday’s FA Cup final - but face a Manchester City side brimming with confidence having captured a fourth consecutive league title under Pep Guardiola.

Pochettino has long been linked to the Man Utd hot-seat over the years - and United’s hierarchy may see an opportunity to snap him up this summer, having also been linked with a move for England manager Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024 in Germany.

Argentine Pochettino is known for his tactical acumen and emphasis on developing young talent - and he transformed Chelsea’s fortunes in the 2023/24 season following the capture of forward Cole Palmer from Manchester City in the January transfer window.

Palmer’s red-hot form for the Blues saw him named in Southgate’s provisional England squad for this summer’s European Championships - and he should make the final 26-man squad.

But for now, Sports News Blitz’s focus is on former Southampton, Tottenham and now Chelsea manager Pochettino - here is a look at his career so far.

Playing Career

Early Years and Espanyol:

Pochettino started his career at Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, where he quickly became known as a reliable defender and a part-time tango dancer on the pitch.

In 1994, he moved to Espanyol in Spain. There, he spent six years perfecting the art of defending and avoiding Spanish food poisoning, helping them win the Copa del Rey in 2000.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bordeaux:

In 2001, Pochettino transferred to PSG in France, where he continued to be a defensive rock and learned to say "Offside!" in French.

He then moved to Bordeaux in 2003, where he played until 2004 before making a nostalgic return to Espanyol, like a boomerang with a better haircut.

International Career:

Pochettino earned 20 caps for the Argentina national team, including a trip to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He spent most of his international career trying to figure out why referees never believed him when he said, "I didn’t touch him!"

Managerial Career

Espanyol:

Pochettino began his managerial career at Espanyol in January 2009. Imagine starting your new job by inheriting a team in the relegation zone - talk about a rough first day at work!

He managed Espanyol until November 2012, working wonders with a budget that could barely buy a decent paella.

Southampton:

In January 2013, Pochettino took over at Southampton in the Premier League. He improved the team, proving that even with the English weather, you can still play stylish football.

His work with young players like Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse made people wonder if he had a secret youth potion.

Tottenham Hotspur:

Pochettino became the manager of Tottenham Hotspur in May 2014. He turned Spurs into a top-four regular and led them to the Champions League final in 2019. They didn't win, but hey, at least they got to see Madrid!

Under Pochettino, Tottenham's youth academy turned into a star factory, churning out talent faster than you can say "Harry Kane".

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG):

Pochettino returned to PSG as head coach in January 2021. He won the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, proving he could still win trophies even if he didn’t speak French fluently.

Despite his efforts, he couldn't snag the elusive Champions League title and left PSG in July 2022, probably muttering "C'est la vie!"

Chelsea:

In May 2023, Pochettino was appointed as the manager of Chelsea. His mission: to rebuild the team, restore glory, and find out why their managers keep leaving so quickly.

Managerial Style and Philosophy

Pochettino is known for his high-pressing, aggressive style of play, which makes his teams look like they're constantly chasing the last slice of pizza at a party.

He focuses on youth development, turning young talents into superstars faster than you can ask, "Who’s that kid?"

Overall, Mauricio Pochettino's career has been a rollercoaster of defensive prowess, managerial magic, and a knack for making young players shine.

And through it all, he’s remained a lovable figure in the football world, proving that nice guys don't always finish last – sometimes, they just finish second in the Champions League.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Euro 2024: Southgate omits Rashford; claims England can claim glory in Germany