Chelsea Manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed the need for the club to make tough decisions and trim their “massive” preseason squad in order to create the right balance for the upcoming season. Despite allowing 12 first-team players to depart in the summer transfer window, Chelsea took 29 players on their preseason tour of the United States. Pochettino believes that having such a large squad creates difficulties in terms of team selection and player morale.
Creating a Balanced Squad
Pochettino emphasized the importance of building a squad with a good balance of players who have the opportunity to play and compete for a place. He believes that having too many players in the squad can create a negative atmosphere, especially when a significant number of them are not involved in games. The manager stated that Chelsea does not need a bigger squad but rather a squad of around 22-24 players in order to compete for major honors.
Trimming the Squad
Pochettino acknowledged that making decisions about which players to keep and which to let go will be tough. However, he stressed the need to find a solution to fix the situation if players are unhappy because they believe they won’t get enough playing time. The manager wants to avoid having a massive squad with players who are not involved, as it can lead to chaos and disrupt team dynamics. Pochettino believes that sometimes less is more, and having a smaller, more balanced squad can be beneficial for the team.
Overloaded Positions
Pochettino specifically mentioned the left-back position as an area where Chelsea has an overload of players. Lewis Hall, a graduate from Chelsea’s academy, and recent signing Ângelo Gabriel were unable to find minutes in the preseason match against Newcastle. This is due to the presence of established left-backs Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, and Ian Maatsen. However, Maatsen has managed to break through in preseason by playing in more advanced midfield roles. Pochettino praised Maatsen’s versatility and understanding of the game, highlighting his ability to play in different positions.
The Importance of a Versatile Player
Pochettino expressed his satisfaction with Maatsen’s performance and stated that he is in his plans for the upcoming season. The manager praised Maatsen’s attitude, commitment, and understanding of the game, which make him a valuable asset to the team. Having a player like Maatsen, who can play in multiple positions, is beneficial for the team and the coaching staff. Pochettino believes that having versatile players like Maatsen adds depth and flexibility to the squad.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea prepares for the new season, Pochettino’s focus is on creating a balanced squad that can compete for major honors. He acknowledges that tough decisions need to be made to trim the squad and ensure that players have the opportunity to play and compete. The manager believes that having a smaller, more balanced squad will lead to better team dynamics and increase the team’s chances of success. With players like Maatsen showcasing their versatility and understanding of the game, Chelsea looks set to have a strong and competitive squad for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Mauricio Pochettino has emphasized the need for Chelsea to make tough decisions and trim their preseason squad to create a balanced team. Having a massive squad with players who are not involved can create difficulties in terms of team selection and player morale. Pochettino believes that a smaller, more balanced squad of around 22-24 players is ideal for competing at the highest level. With versatile players like Ian Maatsen in their ranks, Chelsea looks poised to have a strong and competitive squad for the upcoming season.