Mauricio Pochettino is back in football management...as he prepares to boss the World XI team at next month's Soccer Aid.
The annual charity event takes place on June 11 at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, and sees a mix of former footballers and celebrities take to the field as England take on a World XI to raise money for Unicef.
The Three Lions team will be managed by Harry Redknapp and current Chelsea Women's gaffer Emma Hayes, alongside rapper Stormzy and Line of Duty actress Vicky McClue.
While the World XI already boasted Martin Compston and Robbie Keane as part of their coaching team, but have today announced former Tottenham manager Pochettino as their head coach for the game.
By the time the game is played, the Argentine could be pulling double-duty as he expected to be announced as the new Chelsea manager imminently.
The 51-year-old is expected to sign a three-year deal to succeed Graham Potter as Blues boss, and the formalities on the deal just need to be tied-up before an official announcement is made.
Pochettino is acting without an agent and has negotiated his own contract, so is waiting for the green light from his lawyer before signing the paperwork.
It is understood, the former PSG manager will look to speak with Chelsea interim boss Frank Lampard before he formally takes on the role at the end of the season.
He will bring assistant Jesus Perez with him as well as his usual coaching team but will not start officially in the role until the end of the season.
Despite still not officially in charge, Pochettino is said to be already eyeing up targets for next season, with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, Argentinian teammate Alexis Mac Allister, and Declan Rice said to be top of the club's summer shopping list.
Before he can get to grips with Chelsea's squad however, Pochettino will be working with a host of famous names for Soccer Aid clash, which include football legends such as Gabriel Batistuta, Roberto Carlos and Francesco Totti.
As well as the international icons, the World XI squad sees celebrities such as Usain Bolt, Tommy Fury and comedians Mo Gilligan and Maisie Adam.
They will be facing an England team that have recruited Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott along with Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere and Gary Neville.
Alongside them, famous faces including Mo Farah, Danny Dyer and Liam Payne will be pulling on the Three Lions shirt.
Last year the World XI beat England 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium - with Lee Mack scoring the deciding penalty for the second year in row.
It meant that the World XI now have a 6-5 advantage over England since the inaugural event, brainchild of singer Robbie Williams, was launched in 2006.
kruz8080
1
Wish he can be that good as the sound of his name 🙏