Title: Mauricio Pochettino Takes Over at Chelsea: Glen Johnson Reveals the Transfer the Club May Regret
Introduction
Mauricio Pochettino has officially taken over as the new manager of Chelsea Football Club. With the club finishing 12th in the Premier League last season, Pochettino faces the challenge of rebuilding and leading the team back to success. While Pochettino has just arrived, Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, with several high-profile players leaving the club. Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes that selling Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City may be a decision that the club will come to regret.
The Departures from Stamford Bridge
Chelsea has seen a number of key players leave the club during the summer transfer window. Kai Havertz has joined Arsenal, Mateo Kovacic has moved to Manchester City, and Mason Mount is rumored to be closing in on a £65m transfer to Manchester United. Other departures include N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic also potentially leaving.
Glen Johnson’s Perspective
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes that selling Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City could be one of the biggest losses for Chelsea this summer. Johnson praises Kovacic as a world-class player who will thrive at Manchester City, surrounded by top-quality players. He suggests that Kovacic’s role at City will be to provide stability in midfield and distribute the ball to his fellow world-class teammates.
Johnson also mentions that ultimately, the decision to sell players rests with Todd Boehly, but he will have others around him who are also decision-makers. He warns that if the players Chelsea has sold improve at their Premier League rivals, it will be embarrassing for the club. Additionally, if the players they have signed for big money fail to perform, it will be even more embarrassing.
The Potential Consequences
Selling several key players to direct rivals raises concerns about Chelsea’s competitiveness in the Premier League. Johnson acknowledges that Chelsea is currently behind the top four teams and selling their best players to those above them may hinder their progress. However, he also acknowledges that the club needs to recoup the money they have spent and only time will tell if these decisions are the right ones.
Conclusion
Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival at Chelsea marks a new chapter for the club. With the departure of several high-profile players, including Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, there are concerns about the team’s competitiveness. Glen Johnson believes that selling Kovacic could be a decision that Chelsea may come to regret, as he is a world-class player who will thrive at City. The success of these transfer decisions will ultimately determine Chelsea’s future in the Premier League.