Latest EPL News Round-Up
Yes, the 2023-24 season has come to an end, but it doesn’t mean that nothing is happening on the Premier League news front anymore. On the contrary.
A 4th Manager Leaves
We now know that, after Jürgen Klopp, David Moyes and Roberto De Zerbi, there is one more manager who has left a Premier League team: Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino.
He ends his association with the Blues by mutual consent after just one season, having guided his team to a European spot at the end of 2023-24.
A statement from Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart stated: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season.
“He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.”
Liverpool’s New Head Coach
Arne Slot has finally been confirmed as Jürgen Klopp’s successor in the Anfield dugout. He will be starting in his new role on June 1st.
Having trained Feyenoord since 2021, Slot arrives on Merseyside as the winner of the Dutch Eredivisie (2022-23) and this season’s KNVB Cup.
While this seems like an appointment made to continue Klopp’s work in a similar style, and excitement might be building around Anfield, Sky Sports pundit (and former Liverpool player) Jamie Carragher does not sound convinced: “From Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump and I think it shows at this moment that there’s probably a dearth of real top managers out there, when you look at who Liverpool are going for.
“Initially it was Xabi Alonso – it’s only his first full season as a manager – then there was talk of Ruben Amorim from Sporting, who’s only 39.”
Guardiola’s Future Plans
After securing a record 4th EPL title in a row (and 6th overall), Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has implied that next season might be his last one in charge of the Cityzens.
“The reality is I’m closer to leaving than to staying,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s eight years, will be nine. Right now my feeling is I want to stay next season. We talked with the club, we have time to talk next season because I have to see the players as well, if they follow me, they follow us.
“I want to stay next season. During the season, we will talk. But after eight, nine years…”
Guardiola has the chance to secure yet another piece of history this week, as no English team has ever managed back-to-back doubles of title and FA Cup wins.
Premier League Awards
Over the last couple of days, the Premier League has handed out its awards for the 2023-24 season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has won the Manager of the Season award for the 5th time in his career.
The Player of the Season award also went to City, with Phil Foden its recipient. The Englishman had an outstanding campaign, more than doing his part in the team’s title triumph.
Cole Palmer’s heroics for Chelsea, including 22 goals and 11 assists, have landed him the Young Player of the Season award.
And the 13 assists achieved by Ollie Watkins mean that he has been named Playmaker of the Season. It’s safe to say he was instrumental for Aston Villa as they qualified for next season’s Champions League.
You can also read about our EPLNews Premier League 2023-24 Season awards.