MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S return to the dugout will be at Manchester United instead of Chelsea when he manages the World XI at Soccer Aid.
Pochettino is set to start work officially at Chelsea on July 1 but beforehand will take charge for the UNICEF charity match against England at Old Trafford on June 11.
Pochettino, 51, said: “It is a real pleasure to be part of a match that represents a big cultural moment in this country’s annual calendar – and rightly so, because it raises so much money for Unicef.
“I love English football stadiums, the passion the fans show for the game and the atmosphere they create, so it will be great to feel that again next month.”
Pochettino will coach former Argentina team-mates Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo in the Old Trafford encounter.
World’s fastest man Usain Bolt will be captain of a side that includes the likes of Francesco Totti and ex-Manchester United stars Patrice Evra and Nani.
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Pochettino is finalising the details on a three year deal to take over from Chelsea’s interim boss Frank Lampard at the end of this season.
The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss has been out of work since being sacked by the French giants last July.
Pochettino is believed to have impressed Chelsea owner Todd Boehly with his commitment to working with youngsters.
This comes after the Blues splashed out over £600million since Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich last year.
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And the ex-Tottenham boss has identified the likes of £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk and academy defender Levi Colwill as integral to his vision.
The Argentine tactician is also set to oversee a huge clear-out, with Chelsea currently boasting well over 30 first-team stars.
And there could even be fresh chances for flops like Romelu Lukaku, who could be the answer to the West Londoners’ problems up front.
England vs Soccer Aid World XI FC takes place on Sunday 11 June. Tickets for the game are on sale: www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
