Paul Merson gives shocked verdict after Mauricio Pochettino leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

Paul Merson has given his scathing verdict on Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea exit.

The Blues confirmed that the Argentine would leave his role as manager after just a year in charge, days after guiding them to a sixth place finish in the Premier League and a return to Europe.

The 52-year-old, who is set for an awkward Stamford Bridge return in two weeks, struggled to connect with supporters and struggled for much of the season, lingering in mid-table.

He had turned things around, however, winning his last four games in charge as he secured a respectable finish with the club looking to kick on again next season.

That now won’t be possible, however, with the Blues now on the hunt for a new manager, and Chelsea fan Merson has given his view on the ordeal on social media. 

Chelsea confirmed that the Argentine (pictured) had left the club by mutual consent

Merson took to social media to reveal he ‘couldn’t believe’ the news when he heard it

‘Just hearing the news about Pochettino,’ he began. ‘Cannot believe he’s gone. Cannot believe.

‘Whoever is making these decisions… how are you going to replace a manager like him? Just got the team going, went on a great run, got into Europe, got into sixth in the league from where they were. He’s just got this team playing.

‘It’s madness I cannot, cannot, cannot believe what I’m hearing.’

Merson, who was on Sky earlier on on Tuesday to react to England’s training squad announcement ahead of Euros 2024, has been a stern backer of the former Tottenham manager amidst criticism.

Sporting Directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley wished the Argentine the best in his exit, saying: ‘On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season. He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.’

Pochettino himself, meanwhile, added: ‘Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history. The Club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.’

Merson appeared to question the board in the video shared online, and fans directed anger in their direction too as they reacted on social media.

Merson appeared to question the board at Chelsea, who are looking to appoint the fourth manager of their less-than-two-year reign

While some fans were pleased to see Pochettino leave, they too questioned the nature of the decision 

While some were disappointed to hear of Pochettino’s exit, others were pleased to see him leave, though it didn’t stop them questioning the call, with the Blues set to appoint their fourth permanent manager since Todd Boehly took over in 2022.

‘I can’t say I’m disappointed Poch has gone,’ one fan posted on X. ‘He lost many after the shambles of playing for penalties in the League Cup final BUT progress in the last month makes it bizarre and tells you all you need to know about our owners. The clubs continues to be a circus.’

A second wrote: ‘Not angry about Poch going, I was Poch out the whole season.

‘It’s just the complete lack of faith in the board to make any correct decision. 0-4 in managers incoming.’