Pochettino reflects on 'unsuccessful' Chelsea spell but makes bold claim

The Argentine boss admits his season in charge can only be deemed 'unsuccessful', but insists he left Chelsea in a better place than he found it in before handing the reins over to Enzo Maresca.

Pochettino signed a two-year deal with the option for a third as he became the second permanent managerial appointment of the Todd Boehly era in May 2023.

The former Spurs boss was tasked with lifting the west London club out of the mire following a dismal 12th place finish and stabilising things behind the scenes after an unsettled season which saw four different coaches in the dugout - Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard.

In many ways, that's exactly what he did. While after a number of transfer windows of staggering spending a sixth place finish was still a disappointment, it was clear there was a vast improvement on and off the pitch.

The club was back in European football and it appeared Pochettino was building a solid base for his fresh young squad.

Read more on Chelsea

John Terry names the ex-Chelsea teammate who could still play in Premier League

John Terry names surprise current Chelsea star who smashed teammates at bleep test

However, the manager and club decided to part ways just one season into his two-year agreement and Pochettino's exit was confirmed just two days after the final game of the campaign.

Pochettino - who has since been appointed head coach of the United States national team - departed Stamford Bridge with a record of 26 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats in 51 games in the Blues hotseat.

In comparison, Maresca's record since his arrival as the new Chelsea manager in the summer stands at 25 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats in 43 matches - with the club currently fourth in the Premier League table.

Pochettino recently joined talkSPORT to discuss the build-up to the 2026 World Cup in North America and his 'dream' of returning to Tottenham one day.

Most read in Football

Newcastle United cult hero lured out of retirement after two years by former teammate

'All action idol' McTominay worshipped like Maradona - he even has pizza named after him

Trio of England U-21 stars called up by Thomas Tuchel to senior training

New footage shows moment Virgil van Dijk had quiet word with Alexander Isak

But he didn't skip over his time with the Blues and said he was grateful for the opportunity.

"I think it was not a successful period but still a really important period for the club," he told Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on Drive.

"In the way that we arrived and moved forward, the project and the team with all the circumstances. When you start to see all the circumstances, I think it was a good season for us. It was a good year.

"I think to change the dynamic and to put the team again in a position to play in Europe and to finish in the top ten after the season before where Chelsea finished 12th.

"I think we managed to change the atmosphere. We changed it to be optimistic and to be positive. You know, the season before things were not so good.

"I think that was good, but for different reasons. In the end we split, but I think things always happen because of the best for both sides.

"But I'm happy with the experience and happy to learn a lot because I think we learned a lot also being in Chelsea.

"I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be there. We left the team in a different position than when we arrived."