Mauricio Pochettino sends cryptic message after Chelsea exit with hint at next job

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has hinted he is ready to return to football, just a month after agreeing to leave Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino’s surprise departure from west London came in late May, shortly after the 2023/24 season ended. The club confirmed his departure two days after the final day of the season win over AFC Bournemouth.

Enzo Maresca was appointed in his place in June, becoming Chelsea’s fifth manager under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. The Italian has signed a five-year contract in west London with the option of a further year.

Since leaving the club, Pochettino took charge of Soccer Aid’s World XI last month, which saw him return to Stamford Bridge. It appears he has spent some time recuperating away from football, with the Argentine set to return.

This week, the 52-year-old posted a photo of nature in what looked like a garden on his Instagram Story alongside emojis of a fully charged battery, a lightning strike, a football and a white love heart.

Pochettino has yet to be clearly linked with a new job, but he was in talks for the Manchester United job. Erik ten Hag was expected to be sacked, but the FA Cup final win over Manchester City saw him keep his job.

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According to Bet365, Pochettino has a 4/1 chance of becoming the next England manager to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024, making him the third favourite. However, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is the most likely replacement after a failed move to Leicester City.