Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has clarified why he left the pitch early before the team’s traditional end-of-season lap of appreciation. Following a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday, Pochettino’s coaching staff and he departed the pitch before addressing the supporters.
In his post-match press conference, Pochettino explained that time constraints and a goodbye presentation for Thiago Silva prompted his early exit. He stated, “There was no time [to stay on the pitch] because Thiago Silva had a goodbye presentation. When the players started the lap, I was told I needed to go inside.”
Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain, and his swift departure added to the speculation surrounding his next move. Despite a challenging season, Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League, thanks to a five-game winning streak under Pochettino’s guidance.