Consecutive losses in the Premier League, with eight goals conceded by Chelsea, have intensified discussions about Mauricio Pochettino and his potential job opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
After a 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves on Sunday, his team faced boos from the crowd and some fans even chanted the name of Chelsea’s former successful manager, Jose Mourinho. Chelsea will face Aston Villa in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday, and another loss would increase the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the Argentine manager was questioned about his recent comments regarding his team’s performance and also had to address remarks made on social media by Thiago Silva’s wife, who called for changes at the club. This created an awkward situation for the manager as he continues to navigate the new Chelsea project, which has seen over a billion pounds invested in player signings since Todd Boehly assumed control of the club in May 2022.
Chelsea is currently in 11th place in the Premier League. Despite having a League Cup final against Liverpool coming up, Mauricio Pochettino seems to be struggling to address the challenges he inherited when he took on the job. Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino claims to have the backing of the owners and maintains that he has no problems with any of his players.
“I haven’t (heard) anything in another way. I received very good texts from them,” former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters. “I think we are all together in this and that’s important.
“Of course, I am in contact with them and the sporting director every day.”
Mauricio Pochettino is facing challenges in establishing a distinct playing style for a group of high-priced players who lack experience in the Premier League, such as Moises Caicedo, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson, leading to inconsistency. Additionally, senior players like Raheem Sterling and Thiago are not meeting expectations. While the situation has not become negative for Pochettino, there is a sense of indifference at Stamford Bridge this season, as fans remain unconvinced about the club’s choice to invest in young talents rather than proven winners.
“We need to make a good connection with them. The fans need to understand, when you go to Stamford Bridge it is a different Chelsea and project and everything,” Pochettino said.
“The fans need from us to see that we really care and the players care, and I promise you and fans that the players want to perform and win games. The fans need to trust in us. We need to provide the calm for the players to feel free to play.”
When questioned if he had discussed his wife’s apparent criticism with Thiago Silva, Pochettino said: “The important thing is he came and wanted to talk with me. We talk, that was private and that was it.”
