Ian Wright: Pochettino’s Tactics Expose Chelsea Star in Wolves Loss
Chelsea’s defeat to Wolves on Sunday has left the team in a precarious position in the Premier League. The players were booed off the pitch at both halftime and full time, indicating the frustration felt by fans. However, one player who particularly struggled during the match was Thiago Silva.
Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to play Silva in the game surprised many, including former Arsenal striker Ian Wright. Silva appeared to be left exposed and struggled to cope with the pace of Wolves’ Pedro Neto. Wright believes that Chelsea’s players are not given enough tactical structure by Pochettino, which is evident in their performances on the pitch.
Wright pointed out the lack of protection for Silva and questioned the stability and management of the game from the midfield. He highlighted the need for a structured plan, citing Wolves’ Gary O’Neil as an example of meticulous planning and organization. Wright also expressed disappointment in the lack of improvement at Chelsea under Pochettino’s leadership.
The pressure on Pochettino is evident, with even Thiago Silva’s wife calling for his dismissal on social media. Wright believes that such public criticism from players’ wives only adds to the pressure on the manager. He questions whether Pochettino has what it takes to turn things around for Chelsea and bring them back to their former glory.
Wright emphasizes the importance of having a clear style of play and a structured plan. He cites examples of other managers who have implemented successful styles of play, such as Roberto De Zerbi, Andoni Iraola, and Unai Emery. Without a clear plan, teams like Chelsea become undisciplined and vulnerable to defeat in the ruthless Premier League.
Overall, Wright’s analysis highlights the challenges facing Chelsea under Pochettino’s leadership. The lack of tactical structure and the struggles of key players like Thiago Silva have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. It remains to be seen whether Pochettino can turn things around and bring success back to Stamford Bridge.