Mauricio Pochettino Signs Chelsea Deal Before Last Match

Mauricio Pochettino is set to be confirmed as Chelsea’s next permanent manager within the next 48 hours, having signed a three-year contract. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss will quickly get to work on trimming a bloated squad that has become close to unmanageable, with as many as six senior players reportedly telling the club they wish to leave in the close season. Pochettino will also make a late attempt to convince Mason Mount to commit his future to his boyhood club, with the England international set to enter the final 12 months of his contract and Manchester United ready to test Chelsea’s resolve with an opening £55million offer. Frank Lampard, who will take charge of a team destined to finish as low as 14th in the table one final time this afternoon against Newcastle, was asked to sum up the task that awaits Pochettino and conceded it would be far from straightforward. He said: “It remains to be seen, but I can’t jump into the future. I think it’s a fantastic job because it’s the Chelsea job. I know that for a fact, it was a big part of it, but I enjoy the process and I enjoy coming in. I wish the new manager well. It’s his problem, I guess.”