Mauricio Pochettino believes he has left Chelsea in a stronger position

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino believes he left the club in a stronger position than he found it following his Stamford Bridge exit.

Addressing the Blues’ ownership and supporters via social media, the 52-year-old used his first public comments since his departure two weeks ago to highlight improvements made during his single season in the job, after signing off his tenure with five consecutive Premier League wins to qualify for Europe.

It was decided in the days immediately following the campaign that the Argentinian would not continue in the role, after failing to reach agreement with the owners and sporting directors over the limit of his responsibility for football matters.

Despite what was at times a tumultuous year which saw the team spend much of the season in mid-table, there were clear signs during Pochettino’s final months in charge that a young, inexperienced team were progressing under his tenure.

Having taken over following a 12th-placed finish the previous season, he had helped turn a disjointed and unbalanced squad into a coherent team following a £1billion transfer outlay by co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, finishing sixth off the back of a string of excellent displays, most notably in wins at home to Everton, Tottenham and West Ham.

“To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans – thank you,” Pochettino posted on Instagram.

“We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of.

“I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the