During the Soccer Aid event, Alex Scott couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. Scott, who was presenting ITV’s coverage of the event alongside Dermot O’Leary, joked that Pochettino may not last long at Chelsea. Pochettino was managing the Rest of the World XI, which presented Scott with the perfect opportunity to make a joke at his expense. She quipped that the World XI had gone and got themselves a new manager this year, referring to Pochettino’s recent appointment as Chelsea boss. Scott also added that she believed Dermot would last longer in his job than Pochettino would in his new role.
Scott’s joke was in reference to Chelsea’s reputation for sacking managers, which has persisted even with a change in ownership last year. Pochettino is set to become the fourth manager to work under Todd Boehly following the end of interim boss Frank Lampard’s spell in charge. The American has already sacked Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this season, so there is pressure on Pochettino to perform even before his first game.
At Old Trafford on Sunday, Pochettino achieved something that was a rare feat for a Chelsea boss this past season – a victory. Sprint legend Usain Bolt opened the scoring for the World XI in the first half before actor Asa Butterfield and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes fired England ahead. However, Scholes was forced off injured after a tackle from old United team-mate Nani. And it was all downhill for England after Scholes’ exit as former Tottenham and Liverpool star Robbie Keane netted twice for the World XI in the second half. Love Island star Kem Cetinay scored a record-breaking fifth Soccer Aid goal to seal it 4-2.
The charity football bonanza had raised £14,619,005 for Unicef by full-time. Pochettino may get another boost in the coming days with Chelsea closing in on a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. Pochettino is a big admirer of the shot-stopper who could cost around £55million. There have been talks about a possible swap deal with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian spent the season on loan at the Serie A giants, scoring 14 goals in 37 games.