Less than half a year after leading Spurs to the Champions League final, Mauricio Pochettino faced an abrupt departure. His tenure, spanning five and a half years, ended due to a lackluster start to the 2019-20 season, leaving Spurs in 14th place in the Premier League. Despite memorable achievements, including a Champions League semi-final win over Ajax, Pochettino couldn’t overcome the disappointment of their recent domestic results.
Chairman Daniel Levy expressed regret over the decision, citing the team’s unsatisfactory performance. Pochettino, who took charge in 2014, experienced highs like the League Cup final and a push for the title in 2016. However, inconsistent form, highlighted by a Champions League final loss to Liverpool in 2019, contributed to his departure.
The decision to part ways was not taken lightly, considering Pochettino’s contributions during the transition from White Hart Lane to the new stadium. Spurs swiftly appointed Jose Mourinho as his successor. Pochettino later returned to coaching with Paris St Germain in January 2021 and, after an 18-month stint, took charge at Chelsea in the summer.