Rio Ferdinand remains skeptical about Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as Chelsea’s manager for the upcoming season, citing internal sources suggesting the club’s leadership may seek a new direction.
Pochettino, the Argentine coach, concluded a challenging season on a high note with five consecutive Premier League victories, the last being a 2-1 triumph against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
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This victory secured Chelsea’s sixth-place finish, ensuring their participation in European competitions next season. However, their exact placement—Europa League or Europa Conference League—hinges on the outcome of Manchester United’s FA Cup final match.
In spite of a positive conclusion to the season, there’s ongoing conjecture about Pochettino’s managerial future, fueled by rumors of an imminent board meeting to decide his fate.
Pochettino, the ex-Tottenham manager with just a year left on his contract, was unable to provide any guarantees about his future after the Bournemouth match, even after a pleasant dinner with chairman Todd Boehly.
Ferdinand interprets the situation as a clear indicator that Pochettino’s time with Chelsea may be nearing its end, based on the unfavorable rumors he’s encountered.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: ‘I reckon there will be a managerial merry-go-round. And from what I’m hearing about Pochettino, I’m not sure he’s going to be there at Chelsea.
‘The mutterings I’m hearing coming out, I don’t know if it’s going to end well there.’
When it was suggested Pochettino has now won over the fans & should be backed, Ferdinand added: ‘But I don’t think it’s in their hands.
‘It’s the hierarchy and I think there could be a decision being made between those guys. I don’t think he’ll be there, if I was a betting man.’
Asked about the rumoured board meeting to determine his future, Pochettino said: ‘I don’t know if that is going to happen or not. I don’t have any idea about this.
‘All I can tell you is on Friday night, Todd invited me for a dinner and it was a very nice dinner together. But I don’t know about the rumours about the review.
‘My staff tomorrow are flying for their holidays. I am going to stay in London for a few more days. My phone is going to be on.’
In another interview with Sky Sports, Pochettino was asked about his future & replied: ‘That is a question for the owners and the sporting directors.’
