Many feel Chelsea are now back to square one after Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.
Yes, the performances throughout the campaign weren’t consistent and the end goal of returning to the Champions League wasn’t met.
But it was understandable because Mauricio Pochettino walked into a club that was sitting in the Premier League’s bottom half.
From that aspect, Chelsea improved in huge ways, including a clear style of play, a strong finish to the season and a return to Europe.
Gianfranco Zola stated that he was ‘very surprised’ when Pochettino left because he was ‘finally getting things working’, as he told talkSPORT.
The London club had won their last five Premier League matches and there was a feeling of optimism in the air after the final-day win over Bournemouth.
One of the reasons why Chelsea secured a top-six finish was because of Cole Palmer’s performances.
The Euro 2024 hopeful provided the most goal contributions in the Premier League this season (33) by scoring 22 goals and supplying 11 assists.
When Zola was at Stamford Bridge, he dazzled everyone with his magic play and now Palmer is singing off the same hymn sheet.
The former Italy star admitted that he ‘didn’t see it coming’ with Palmer and he has been pleasantly surprised by his performances.
Cole Palmer shines under Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea
“Like everybody, I am very surprised and I didn’t know anything like that,” said Zola about Pochettino’s exit. “He was finally getting things working and it has been long and hard. I understand all the difficulties. I am totally surprised. I am trying to understand the reason, but I don’t know why yet.
On Cole Palmer: “Can I be honest, I didn’t see it coming. I knew a little about him, so I didn’t know the depth of the player. I saw him improving in many areas that I didn’t know he had. I saw he had visions because he could see a pass. He has good technique.
“But the ground that he covers is unbelievable. He became one of those players that can really change a game. This is all down to him and the people who work with him. They have done a great job.”
Life after Mauricio Pochettino
The powers that be at Chelsea are now looking for a new manager. The players themselves will have to start again.
When the news broke about Pochettino’s exit, Nicolas Jackson wasn’t best pleased and you wouldn’t be surprised if many inside the dressing room held the same views.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Manager Guardiola called ‘extraordinary’ open to Chelsea talks after title win
If Chelsea fans thought they were getting that elite manager, then they have to think again.
Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town has been hotly talked about, alongside Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca, but they have been warned about taking the job.
You just wonder, if the next manager starts poorly, then will he even survive by Christmas because you fear he wouldn’t.
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