Chelsea is on the brink of securing Mauricio Pochettino as their new permanent manager, as reported by football.london. The Argentinian is scheduled to assume his position at the end of the current season after a series of successful discussions with the club. This will be Pochettino’s first return to the Premier League since his departure from Tottenham in 2019.
Pochettino will get an opportunity for a complete pre-season at Cobham before his inaugural season in SW6, affording him ample time to strategize for the next campaign.
The former Paris Saint-Germain manager already has an understanding of the squad he’d prefer to employ at Chelsea, and those he may wish to transfer. With Todd Boehly’s extensive spending over the past year, Chelsea is well-equipped for a potential resurgence in English football, though several players are likely to depart.
Key decisions remain concerning players such as Mason Mount, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Hakim Ziyech, but perhaps the most uncertain future lies with Christian Pulisic.
Pulisic, the USMNT star, has been rumoured to be seeking a move away from England, given his limited playing time this season. AC Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle have all shown interest in the forward, whose contract expires in 12 months, making him a sought-after player this summer.
Praising Pulisic last year, former USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said, “Christian has increasingly matured and taken more responsibility both on and off the pitch over the years. He possesses a lot of character and personality. His journey, which started at 17, is remarkable, and he still has a long way to go. He can continue to improve and evolve into an even greater leader.”
Pulisic’s growth has somewhat plateaued in recent times. However, Pochettino’s innovative strategies at Stamford Bridge could potentially propel the American player into a leadership role for Chelsea.
Pochettino, the former Tottenham manager, has a track record of effectively managing large squads and has significantly improved individual players during his managerial career. In an article for The Athletic, he wrote, “It’s never easy to tell players the truth, especially when it involves telling them they’re wrong. Rushing a player before they’re ready can lead to subpar performances, which is risky. Even when they make mistakes, it’s crucial to support them.”
Adding to this, he said, “In September 2014, we didn’t think Harry (Kane) was ready yet. But my coaching staff and I love working with young players, discovering what they need to improve to reach the top. I believe we have the ability to identify their inherent qualities and see their potential as players.”
Follow London Insider on Google News