Pochettino works 15 hours a day to revive Chelsea

New coach Mauricio Pochettino must race against time to help Chelsea reach their best form right from the big match against Liverpool on the opening day of the Premier League today.

The Argentine coach said the Chelsea coaching staff were busy planning training sessions, deciding on suitable tactics for the Liverpool game and trying to create the best environment for the players to feel comfortable. Pochettino wants to set an example so that his players have the highest determination for the new season.

"Every day we arrive at 6.20am or 6.30am and leave at 8pm or 9pm," he said at a press conference ahead of the Liverpool game. "We can spend 14 or 15 hours there and sometimes it seems like at the end of the day we still have a lot to discuss. You always need time, even if you work more than 12 hours and I think that's a good sign for everyone at the club. It's hard for the fans to see this progress, but I think it's important to set the principles."

Pocchettino during a training session with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 12. Photo: Chelsea FC — Pocchettino during a training session with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 12. Photo: *Chelsea FC*

Last season, new President Todd Boehly spent more than $700 million to recruit 17 players and changed coaches three times, with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard. But Chelsea's performance went downhill, finishing 12th in the Premier League, being eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup, the third round of the League Cup, the quarter-finals of the Champions League and missing out on European Cups this season.

Pochettino wants to change the perception of Chelsea, from the chaotic team of last season to a team capable of winning as the club is inherently in the position. "In the last few years, maybe Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal were at the top of the table," said the Argentine coach. "But in the last 15 years, Man Utd and Chelsea were mentioned when talking about competing for the Champions League and Premier League. That is the position I want to bring back to the club."

The 51-year-old coach admitted that Chelsea are undergoing major changes in the summer and need time to settle in. He stressed that his job is to build trust, help the club play beautifully, satisfy fans and achieve good results, right from the opening match against Liverpool in the first round of the Premier League today.

In the summer of 2023, Chelsea said goodbye to a series of experienced players with many years of experience playing for the team such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta or Christian Pulisic. On the contrary, they welcomed potential young players such as Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Lesley Ugochukwu or Angelo Gabriel.

However, Pochettino dismissed the notion that Chelsea are currently an inexperienced team. According to him, a club can only be successful if there is a harmonious combination of young, potential players and experienced players. "Sometimes you have experienced players but they don't have the desire to win," he said. "I like players who want to play, fight for the club, for their teammates, rather than just having experience. Only results will tell if Chelsea is weaker or stronger than last season. We still have experienced players playing in the Premier League, and young players with quality, who are eager to show their qualities."

Pochettino and James before a training session with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 12. Photo: Chelsea FC — Pochettino and James before a training session with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 12. Photo: *Chelsea FC*

The choice of Reece James as the new captain, replacing Cesar Azpilicueta who joined Atletico Madrid, shows Pochettino's faith in the next generation of Chelsea. James has grown up in the club's training camp, won the FA Youth Cup twice with Chelsea's U18s, and currently has 11 goals in 147 appearances for the first team. According to Pochettino, the English defender is the perfect player to captain Chelsea, having grown up in the youth system, has the right qualities and personality and is the future of the club.

Hong Duy

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