Rio Ferdinand has hit out at Chelsea after Mauricio Pochettino left the club by ‘mutual consent’ on Tuesday.
The Argentine’s exit came following an internal end-of-season review, led by the Blues’ sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, along with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, with the club’s hierarchy deciding to go in a different direction.
This was despite a strong end to the campaign for the Blues, with Pochettino guiding them to five successive wins to qualify for Europe, while he had also overseen the development of several young stars such as Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto and Noni Madueke.
Meanwhile, Pochettino still had a year to run on his contract and provided some form of stability following a tumultuous period at Stamford Bridge.
However, Ferdinand claimed he was not shocked by Pochettino’s departure, yet he slammed the club in regards to the manner of it.
‘This has come as an absolute surprise to many,’ Ferdinand told his Vibe with Five YouTube channel. ‘I said a few days ago that I thought he could go, but I didn’t think it would happen this quickly.
‘Under the circumstances, I think Mauricio and his team have done a good job. They were a laughing stock at times in the season but he brought it together.
‘You look at it and think, “what are Chelsea trying to do here?” They brought in loads of new players, inexperienced players, so they were asking for miracles this season.
‘I thought it would be a process where he tries to stabilise this season – which he has – and then brings in some experience and they could have a chance next season. They might not be that far away if he gets the right pieces in the summer.
‘But then he gets the sack and now we’re looking at a circus act.’
Several promising young managers such as Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi, Enzo Maresca and Sebastian Hoeness have been linked to the role, with Chelsea believed to be keen on the swift appointment of a young and progressive coach.
Despite their struggles in recent seasons, a role at Stamford Bridge is still hugely attractive to any manager, but Ferdinand was unconvinced and sent a warning to those touted with replacing Pochettino.
‘I’m looking at some of the names being linked,’ he added. ‘They’re all good names doing good work but this is Chelsea man.
‘I think it’s a hard job now, I think it’s difficult. They’re looking to get a young, exciting manager and a project to get behind but this could be the start of another summer of craziness at Chelsea.’
