Mauricio Pochettino hired as Chelsea manager to lead rebuild after turbulent season

By STEVE DOUGLAS
AP Sports Writer

Chelsea has hired Mauricio Pochettino as manager on a two-year deal with the option of another year. The Argentine coach is tasked with getting the best out of an expensively assembled squad that has underperformed at the start of a new era for the English club. It is Pochettino’s first coaching role since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in July last year and marks his return to the Premier League. He had an impressive 5 1/2-year spell with Tottenham that included a run to the Champions League final. Pochettino had been widely expected to take the Chelsea job, which is considered one of the most high-profile positions in European soccer.