Mauricio Pochettino keeps promise on next management job after Chelsea exit

Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will manage one last game at Stamford Bridge this summer, despite leaving the club.

The Argentine’s exit from Chelsea by mutual consent was confirmed this week, despite the team securing European football next season just days earlier. It meant that the manager spent just one season in charge.

But he will be back at Stamford Bridge next month as manager in the annual Soccer Aid tournament. The 52-year-old had agreed to managed the World XI against England for the second year in a row, but his involvement was a doubt due to his Chelsea exit.

The Athletic now report that the manager is honouring his commitment and will still take part in the fixture that is being played at Stamford Bridge on June 9. He will come up against former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard in the dugout with the former midfielder taking charge of the England side.

The two teams are made up of celebrities, helped by some ex-players as they look to raise money for UNICEF. Previous years have seen a total of nearly £100 million raised for the charity.

Upon the announcement of his involvement back in March, Pochettino said: “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a huge event — and one I am delighted to be part of again. The 2023 match was a great experience to be a part of and that is why I was more than happy to accept a return this year, particularly as it will be at Stamford Bridge and with Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, in the opposing dugout for England.

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“We raised so much money last year, and I hope we can do the same this time, so please get involved and buy your tickets. A sold-out Stamford Bridge generates an incredible atmosphere and we want the players who are part of Soccer Aid 2024 to enjoy that same feeling when they step out on to the pitch on Sunday June 9.”

Pochettino will be assisted by Jesus Perez and Tony Jimenez who both also left Chelsea along with the manager earlier this week.