Chelsea’s shock sacking of Mauricio Pochettino is believed to have sparked a “power struggle” within the club that has sparked debate over future share sales, according to reports.
The Blues have been a major disruptor in the transfer market since co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were backed by US investment firm Clearlake Capital in 2022.
They have since spent more than £1bn on attracting new recruits during a volatile reign that has seen four different permanent managers take charge of a young and overcrowded squad.
The results on the pitch have yet to reflect the huge amount spent and a debate is now emerging over the increasingly tense relationship between the two co-owners.
Differences erupted when discussions took place over whether to keep Pochettino in charge or sack him, and Boehly had to go against others to try and convince them to keep the Argentine, as reported by The times.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly (pictured) is believed to have wanted to keep Mauricio Pochettino in charge
Pochettino was sacked at the end of his first season at the club after a difficult campaign.
The relationship between Boehly and fellow co-owner Behdad Eghbali (left) is reportedly becoming strained
The American is an ever-present figure at Stamford Bridge in the executive boxes and has publicly backed Pochettino to keep his job after a difficult first Premier League campaign.
They eventually parted ways by mutually agreeing to terminate his contract after just one season, with the Blues then deciding to appoint former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as his successor.
The decision-makers at Clearlake Capital were reportedly persuaded by Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, who drew up a document about sacking Pochettino after just 10 months, much to Boehly’s dismay.
Boehly, 50, has been the face of a Chelsea side previously represented by former owner Roman Abramovich, who oversaw the club’s most successful period before being forced to sell after the UK government imposed restrictions amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
There are now indications that both Boehly and Eghbali want to buy each other’s shares to gain a greater controlling stake. Mail Sport previously revealed that Clearlake Capital has no intention of selling its stake.
Clearlake owns a 61.5 percent majority in Chelsea, but all key decisions are made as a collective process among a group of four core investors.
Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley (right) and Laurence Stewart (centre) reportedly wanted Pochettino to leave.
Boehly (left) regularly attends Chelsea games at Stamford Bridge to keep a close eye on the action.
Pochettino had initially signed a two-year contract with the club which was later cut short.
The earlier announcement that Pochettino would no longer play a role in the club’s future initially shocked the club’s fanbase and divided opinions, with many believing the former Spurs boss had not been given enough time.
The 52-year-old was linked with taking over at Manchester United before Erik ten Hag signed a new contract and then Pochettino made the shock decision to become the new head coach of the United States men’s team.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have started the new season strongly, recording one defeat and one draw from their opening three Premier League wins before the international break.
They will return to action with a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
