Mauricio Pochettino openly recognized the difficulties he faces as the manager of Chelsea, admitting that the job has been more challenging than expected, especially as they gear up to play against Crystal Palace. With eight losses in 18 Premier League games and a recent defeat against Wolves, Chelsea has only amassed 22 points halfway through the season.
Pochettino conceded, “We knew it would be a tough season, but it’s turned out even tougher than anticipated. Various factors like injuries and suspensions have worsened the situation. We’ve had key players out and encountered unforeseen challenges since the season started. However, it’s a stimulating challenge in its own way.”
He highlighted falling short of his initial ambitions upon taking over in the summer, aiming to position Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. Currently sitting 10th, tied on points with Wolves and Bournemouth, Pochettino noted, “We’re far from where we wanted to be. Our goal was to be at the top, considering Chelsea’s esteemed history. Realistically, we need to reevaluate. Strengthening our competitiveness is crucial for more wins.”
The recent game against Wolves resulted in five Chelsea players receiving bookings, leading to suspensions for Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling before the Crystal Palace match. Despite leading the league in yellow cards, Pochettino insisted that his team doesn’t lack discipline.
“It shows the pressure of representing Chelsea; it’s a prestigious club, and that pressure can cause frustration and occasional inexperience. We need to improve in handling these situations,” he explained. Pochettino defended Palmer, acknowledging it’s his debut Premier League season and frustration is normal given Chelsea’s standards. He emphasized the players’ drive and focus on winning, attributing any issues not to a lack of discipline but rather to understanding the game’s circumstances.
