Mauricio Pochettino to Chelsea ‘confirmed’ as 21-year-old accidentally reveals excitement

It’s now the worst kept secret that Mauricio Pochettino will become Chelsea’s next head coach.

After agreeing terms on a three-year deal at Chelsea earlier this month, Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph confirmed prior to their final day 1-1 draw against Newcastle United that Pochettino had signed his Blues contract.

Pochettino will arrive at Chelsea, who finished 12th in the Premier League in 2022-23, a dismal campaign for the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership in their first year at the club.

The 51-year-old’s appointment is imminent with official confirmation expected early this week as he gets to work immediately to overhaul the bloated squad and ensure Chelsea have a better campaign next season.

Chelsea have tried to be tight-lipped on Pochettino’s arrival but 21-year-old Noni Madueke has accidentally confirmed the Argentine will be arriving in west London.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the season-ending draw against Newcastle. the English winger said: “I think he is a good manager. He has been in big places around the world and he was a great success in the Premier League. I am looking forward to working with and learning from him.”

He added: “(It’s) just cohesion and pulling in the right direction. I think next season we need to go back to basics. The new manager needs to come in and everyone needs to get behind him in training for him and Chelsea to be successful and there’s no reason why we can’t be with the talent in his squad.”

Madueke joined from PSV in January and has been a bright spark in the team. He continued: “I’ve enjoyed my six months so much. I’m blessed to play for Chelsea. That’s one thing I never take for granted.

“I’ve been in the team for the last month and a half. The gaffer (Lampard) has shown great confidence in me. He has helped me a lot so I wish him all the best. He has probably taken my game to another level. I have a lot of levels I can get to and in time hopefully I will do that with the boys.”