Mauricio Pochettino returns to Stamford Bridge for soccer Aid match

Mauricio Pochettino will return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Chelsea two weeks ago. He will manage the World XI in a Soccer Aid charity match on June 9, featuring Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard. The event, hosted by ITV's Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott, will benefit UNICEF, a charity aimed at protecting play for children worldwide. Fans are expected to be incredulous about the return.

Mauricio Pochettino will be back at Stamford Bridge just two weeks after his unexpected departure from Chelsea. The Blues announced the Argentine’s exit on Tuesday evening, leaving fans in shock. Pochettino, 52, is set to manage the World XI in the Soccer Aid charity match next month, taking on an England side led by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

The charity game for Unicef will be held on June 9, making it an “awkward” return for Pochettino and Lampard, both recently ousted from Chelsea. Pochettino’s squad includes Eden Hazard, another Chelsea great. Fans expressed incredulity online, with comments like, “so awkward” and “crazy world.”

Lampard and Hazard will debut in Soccer Aid alongside stars such as Ashes icon Stuart Broad and celebrities like Robbie Williams and Usain Bolt. Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will host ITV’s coverage. O’Leary highlighted the event’s purpose: “We’re one big team at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, united by a goal to help protect play for children everywhere. Whoever you support, I know it’s going to be an absolutely fantastic night at Stamford Bridge.”