Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence after appointment confirmed – but not for Chelsea

The long-awaited Mauricio Pochettino managerial announcement has finally come… but it isn’t for Chelsea.

Pochettino has been out of management since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last July and will return to the touchline next month at Old Trafford for the UNICEF charity match against England on June 11.

The 51-year-old’s appointment at Chelsea as their new head coach is imminent, but his return to the dugout will come in Manchester before he arrives in west London.

Pochettino’s appointment as World XI boss was confirmed on Friday and the Argentine broke his silence, saying: “I am really looking forward to getting involved in Soccer Aid this year and managing the World XI.

“It is a real pleasure to be part of a match that represents a big cultural moment in this country’s annual calendar – and rightly so, because it raises so much money for Unicef.

“I love English football stadiums, the passion the fans show for the game and the atmosphere they create, so it will be great to feel that again next month.”

As reported by The Sun, Pochettino is officially set to start at Chelsea on July 1, however it is likely he will be in constant communication with the hierarchy and sporting department as planning and preparations begin for the 2023/24 season.

Pochettino will take over from interim Frank Lampard, who is overseeing the final three Premier League games of the 2022/23 campaign, and will pen a three-year deal with the Blues.