Mauricio Pochettino’s relationship with Chelsea’s ownership may be strained following the appointment of Bernardo Cueva as the new set-piece coach. Pochettino asserts his authority in deciding whether Cueva will be present on the touchline during matches, despite the club’s decision to bring him in and provide Brentford with compensation of around £750,000.
Previously, Toni Jimenez, Chelsea’s custodian coach, handled set pieces, but Pochettino has downplayed the significance of this role in the past. While some Premier League teams, like Aston Villa and Arsenal, have dedicated set-piece coaches on the sidelines, Pochettino maintains that the decision ultimately rests with him as the head coach.
Pochettino acknowledges the club’s decision to strengthen their set-piece department and expresses openness to learning and improvement. He emphasizes the importance of quality players in executing set pieces effectively.
While Pochettino recognizes the benefits of having specialists, he also emphasizes the importance of player talent in set-piece execution. He refers to players like James Ward-Prowse of Southampton, noting that having skilled players like him can significantly impact set-piece effectiveness.
Ultimately, Pochettino emphasizes the role of players in football, suggesting that while specialists can enhance performance, it is ultimately the players who make the difference on the field.
