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| Southampton FC |
The Saints are 15th in the Premier League after coming back from 2-0 down to claim an impressive draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but that was not enough to save Adkins from the axe.
The 40-year-old Argentinian spent three years with Espanyol, but was sacked in November with the club bottom of La Liga with nine points from 13 games.
Pochettino will take charge of training on Saturday ahead of Southampton's home game with Everton on Monday
A statement from the club said: "Southampton Football Club has this morning appointed Mauricio Pochettino as first-team manager, having relieved Nigel Adkins of his managerial duties.
"Pochettino has earned a reputation as one of the most talented young coaches in European football thanks to an impressive spell in La Liga with Espanyol.
"The Argentine was widely linked with a future role at one of Spain's top clubs, but having left Espanyol in November now joins Southampton to continue his top-flight managerial career.
"The club would like to thank Nigel Adkins for his service over the past three seasons, and wish him well for the future."
Southampton's executive chairman, Nicola Cortese, said: "This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind. Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.
"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.
"He also shares my belief that the most successful clubs are built by nurturing young players through a development system that provides a clear path to the first team, thereby creating a culture that keeps them at the club for the long term. This is an approach he has employed with great success in the past and I look forward to him bringing that experience and expertise to Southampton."
Pochettino added: "This is the kind of opportunity that any coach would relish. Southampton is a club with great heritage, and an even more exciting future. There is a clear vision to take the club to a new era of sustained success in the Premier League, and beyond, which I'm delighted to be part of."
