Mauricio Pochettino faces an awkward return to Chelsea - a little over two weeks after his exit - with Stamford Bridge comeback already agreed

Mauricio Pochettino will be back at Chelsea just 19 days after agreeing his exit - and faces an awkward reunion with the Stamford Bridge crowd following his back-door departure at the end of the season.

Pochettino's one-year reign as manager was ended on Tuesday when the Blues announced a 'mutual agreement' to relieve him of his duties halfway through his two-year contract.

But Pochettino, 52, already has a date in the diary to be back at Stamford Bridge.

He is due to manage the 'World XI' at Soccer Aid, hosted at Chelsea's stadium, on Sunday, June 9.

And with a large number of Chelsea fans set to be in attendance for the return of Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard, it could be an awkward occasion for their recently-deposed manager.

Pochettino did not say goodbye to Chelsea's supporters on Sunday during their final game of the season - a 2-1 win against Bournemouth. He left Thiago Silva to address the crowd after his final match.

The manager, who some fans have continued to hold a grudge against due to his past at rivals Tottenham, went straight down the tunnel to conduct his media duties while his players took part in a lap of honour. 

The Argentine's lack of engagement with supporters has been a consistent complaint from the crowd since he took over last summer.

Speaking in a statement after he was relieved of his duties, Pochettino said: 'Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity.

'The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.'

Pochettino will be joined back at Stamford Bridge by his long-time assistant Jesus Perez, and earlier this year said: 'Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a huge event – and one I am delighted to be part of again. 

'The 2023 match was a great experience to be a part of and that is why I was more than happy to accept a return this year, particularly as it will be at Stamford Bridge and with Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, in the opposing dugout for England.

'We raised so much money last year, and I hope we can do the same this time, so please get involved and buy your tickets.

'A sold-out Stamford Bridge generates an incredible atmosphere and we want the players who are part of Soccer Aid 2024 to enjoy that same feeling when they step out on to the pitch on Sunday, June 9.'