How Mauricio Pochettino can get the best out of faltering Chelsea
By looking at Pochettino’s potential influence on Chelsea and how his tactics could build a fresh start for The Blues in the 2023/24 Premier League season, we can examine how the Argentine envisions his potential line-ups and game plans at a club that is riddled with bad transfers and a tendency to overspend.
We’ll identify players who could flourish under Pochettino’s system and analyse their predicted impact on the season ahead. As well as looking at some of the problem players and positions that have been haunting Chelsea and why they are a shadow of their former selves.
Pochettino’s Tactical Approach
Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival at Chelsea has generated a real buzz among supporters, with his past success at London rivals Tottenham, Chelsea fans are expecting Pochettino to build a real team that can challenge for trophies… His aggressive high-pressing game and focus on quick transitions from defence to attack could transform the team into a top contender. But will the current squad be able to adapt to his strategies?
Pochettino bases his tactics and coaching styles from his early playing career at Newell’s Old Boys and openly admits he takes a lot of inspiration from Marco Bielsa’s ‘Bielsa Ball’. He prefers formations that allow fluid movement between lines while maintaining defensive solidity. This approach was evident during his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, where he transformed them into one of England’s top sides and ultimately a Champions League final. Under the Pochettino reign Spurs were known for possession based, high pressing football, being very risk friendly with the ball and capable of splitting defences with fluid football.
Player Adaptation
To successfully implement Pochettino’s tactics, player adaptation will be crucial. The team boasts several versatile players who could thrive under such systems. However, it would require rigorous training sessions focused on positional play and understanding individual roles within these formations.
Developing chemistry among players – both defensively and offensively – will be key. While some might find it challenging initially due to contrasting styles employed by previous managers, consistent practice should help them adjust over time.
Challenges Ahead
There may be potential challenges related to managing expectations from fans who have been accustomed to seeing their team play in a certain way under different management regimes. It remains essential for everyone involved with the club to embrace this change wholeheartedly without rushing judgments based solely on immediate results. Chelsea won just 6 home games last season in the Premier League, a real indictment of the task that Poch faces.
Note: This analysis assumes no significant changes in personnel before next season starts; any incoming transfers could alter dynamics considerably depending upon their playing style and suitability within Pochettino’s system. All opinions expressed herein are purely speculative based on past observations and trends; actual outcomes may vary significantly given football’s unpredictable nature.
Current Issues within The Squad
Despite a huge number of players at the Bridge, they lack a real cohesive team that is used to playing together and can grow together. The revolving door policy at the club leads to high turnover of players and therefore no understanding of how one another plays.
Identifying Key Problem Areas in Attack and Midfield
Recent match reports suggest that these two areas – attack and midfield – could benefit from some strategic adjustments under Pochettino’s guidance.
Chelsea are currently lacking an out-and-out striker. Kai Havertz played up front in a false 9 role for Chelsea frequently last term but could still only muster 7 goals. The German is also expected to be crossing London and joining Arsenal in a £65m move.
Rumours suggest that the talented Serbian, Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus could be involved in a swap deal for Romelu Lukaku, with Lukaku being on Juve’s radar. Such a deal would be a real benefit to both Chelsea and Juventus. Juve get a real Serie A proven striker who wishes to stay in the Italian first division and in return Chelsea get a real young, hungry number 9 who has bags of potential and they get Lukaku’s mammoth wages off the books.
Midfield is another issue for Pochettino. Kante and Kovacic have found a way out of the club this summer and after the departure of Jorginho last season, Enzo Fernandez is becoming increasingly lonely.
Possible Solutions for Chelsea’s Issues
The answers to Chelsea’s problems are not going to be found easily. Chelsea players, staff and fans will need patience if they want Pochettino to succeed.
Frank Lampard noted a real drop in standards at the Bridge after he returned for his second stint at the club as manager, therefore Poch must instil a clear style of play that resonates with the squad he has at his disposal. Pochettino has excellent man management skills demonstrated from his success with Harry Kane and Son at Tottenham so it is vital he can apply the same theory and get the best out of potential stars like Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez.
Find the exit door. Chelsea’s flash spending since Todd Boehly acquired the club has been nothing short of ludicrous, and it’s finally catching them up. As previously mentioned, some players are nearing the end of their stay at Stamford Bridge but there are still plenty on the fringe taking up wages and space on the books.
Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all rumoured to be moving on. And they will likely be joined by others such as Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech unhappy with game time.
Players Who Could Thrive Under Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino is a master of unlocking the potential in players. Let’s see which Chelsea players could excel with him at the helm.
Reece James is an obvious choice for players who could thrive. The young English right back is a real prodigy that is already excelling before reaching his full potential. He reminds me of a certain Kyle Walker who first developed significantly under Pochettino at Spurs before moving to Manchester City. Ahead of the new season, Chelsea will be aiming.
Christopher Nkunku could be a real danger under Pochettino. He’s a real versatile attacking midfielder that could emulate the success of Son Heung-Min at Tottenham, likewise Mykhailo Mudryk. We are yet to see the best of this Ukrainian starlet but Chelsea’s new boss is good at working with youngsters and this could be a match made in heaven for the Chelsea faithful. A high scoring front three will be crucial in achieving Chelsea’s aims of climbing the table and getting back into European football, if you think they can, you can find the best free bet offers for June 2023.
Conclusion
Chelsea fans need to be realistic of their expectations of Pochettino in the Argentine’s first season. The club are going through a huge transitional period and need somebody to steady the ship who can attract new players, which Pochettino can definitely bring.
In terms of league position and trophies, after finishing in the bottom half last season, Chelsea would be happy breaching into the top four again and securing Champions League football. Anything else in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup would be a bonus. Consistency is key in the upcoming season.
