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#3 Nicolas Jackson - Loser
Nicolas Jackson was not exactly the best striker in the Premier League, as he struggled to meet expectations at Stamford Bridge. He had an xG of 18.64 league goals, but he missed huge chances, ending up with only 14 goals this season. His poor form, at times, in front of goal was a cause for concern, but Mauricio Pochettino stuck to him, as he played 35 league games.
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However, he seemed to improve as the season progressed, scoring four goals in his last five league games, as Chelsea found their winning streak. When Pochettino's exit was announced, it was clear that Jackson was unhappy with the decision, as he posted a face-palm emoji in reaction (via Independent).
#2 Raheem Sterling - Winner
Raheem Sterling was one of the players who struggled to find any playing time under Mauricio Pochettino. The 29-year-old left Manchester City in 2022, making the switch to the Bridge, but he has not reached the heights he once did at the Etihad. This season saw him play 31 Premier League games, but he started only 22.
Although he scored eight goals and provided four assists, two of those goals came in his last three games. It is also quite telling that he has started only one game in all competitions since their 4-2 win over Leicester City in mid-March. Sterling even played a mere two minutes against his former club City, but a new coach might just provide the spark the winger needs to excel again.
#1 Marc Cucurella - Loser
Marc Cucurella is perhaps one of the most improved players at Stamford Bridge this season. He didn't play a lot of games, as he missed 25 across all competitions due to injury. An ankle surgery kept him out from mid-December till the beginning of March. However, Cucurella was clearly Pochettino's go-to man for the left-back slot.
As long as the Spaniard was fit, he would start, notably coming on as a substitute just once in the 26 games he played for Chelsea this season. He also often played full games, coming off as a substitute just six times, which shows how much faith the Argentine manager had in him. Cucurella could only share his shock on social media, as he hailed Pochettino after the coach's exit was announced.
