Mauricio Pochettino: Cesc Fabregas Says He Was Surprised Chelsea Parted Ways With the Argentine

• Mauricio Pochettino was in charge of Chelsea for just one season
• The Blues cut ties with him at the end of the 2023/24 campaign
• Pochettino led the West Londoners to a sixth-place EPL finish

Former Chelsea midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, has admitted he was surprised after learning the club had parted company with Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues cut ties with the Argentine by mutual consent on Tuesday, May 21, after just one season in charge.

According to the BBC, Poch joined the West London club in the summer of 2023 on a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

However, the 52-year-old did not see out the entirety of his contract, having previously come under pressure after a run of poor results in the first half of the season.

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Despite the initial struggles, Pochettino's charges embarked on an impressive streak in the closing stages of the campaign, which saw them secure a sixth-place finish.

Additionally, they were runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Cesc Fabregas speaks on Pochettino's exit

Fabregas is among the high-profile footballers who have weighed in on Chelsea's decision to let go of Pochettino.

Speaking to BBC Sounds' Planet Premier League podcast, the former midfielder said he was surprised the club made the move.

"I stayed in his office for an hour and a half talking football. It was really fun. I didn't have the feeling this was going to happen. I was surprised about the decision," he said.

Meanwhile, Pochettino is unlikely to be jobless for long, with reports claiming a number of teams could make a move.

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Manchester United and England are among the teams that the former Tottenham Hotspur manager has been linked with.

Reece James apologises to Pochettino

Earlier, Sports Brief also reported that Reece James penned an impassioned message for Pochettino following the Argentine's departure from Chelsea.

The England international started just six games under the ex-Blues coach, with a hamstring injury keeping him sidelined for a majority of the season.