Mauricio Pochettino openly acknowledged the challenges he’s facing with the Chelsea job, expressing that it’s proven more demanding than initially anticipated, especially as they prepare to face Crystal Palace. With eight losses in 18 Premier League matches and a recent defeat against Wolves, Chelsea only managed to accumulate 22 points halfway through the season.
Pochettino admitted, “We were aware it would be a tough year, but it’s turned out even tougher than we anticipated. Circumstances, such as injuries and suspensions, have exacerbated the situation. We’ve had key players sidelined and faced unforeseen challenges since the season’s outset. However, in a peculiar way, it’s an invigorating challenge.”
He emphasized falling short of personal expectations upon taking charge in the summer, highlighting that his primary goal was to position Chelsea at the Premier League’s summit. Currently placed 10th, level with Wolves and Bournemouth on points, Pochettino remarked, “We’re distant from our intended objectives. Our aim was to be at the top, given Chelsea’s prestigious history. Realistically, we need to reassess. Improving our competitive edge is vital to secure more victories.”
The recent match against Wolves saw five Chelsea players booked, resulting in suspensions for Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling ahead of the game against Crystal Palace. Despite holding the top spot for the most yellow cards in the league, Pochettino asserted that his team doesn’t lack discipline.
“It’s a testament to the pressure of representing Chelsea; it’s a renowned club, and that pressure can lead to frustration and occasional lack of experience. We have room for improvement in managing these situations,” he explained. Pochettino defended Palmer, acknowledging it’s his debut Premier League season and the frustration is normal considering the standards at Chelsea. He stressed that the players are driven and focused on victory, attributing any issues not to a lack of discipline but rather the ability to gauge the game’s circumstances.