Chelsea FC manager Mauricio Pochettino, revealed that he “doesn’t need a big squad” and that he is prepared to make some “tough” decisions during the transfer window.
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Newcastle United held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in a preseason friendly in Atlanta, with Nicolas Jackson and Miguel Almiron scoring for the two clubs.
Chelsea FC manager Mauricio Pochettino is determined that he must trim his squad before the Premier League season begins because he worries that if too many players don’t get regular playing time, it will negatively influence the team’s mentality.
“At the moment the dynamic is very good, really good guys and they are sharing the time together. It is difficult because sometimes in every game three, four, five players cannot play and that is difficult because the mood is difficult. It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who have the opportunity to play and can compete for their place,” he told after the friendly.
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“That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window to build a good relationship and good balance. Then, if players are not happy because they believe they are not going to play, we are going to find a solution with the club and fix the situation.
“What we cannot have is a massive squad, players not be involved and then it’s going to create a mess in the squad. Maybe less is more and more is less, it is not mathematic. That is why I need to make clear we don’t need a big squad.
“We need 22, 23, 24 players with some younger and that’s it. I am so sorry because maybe the decision will be tough but we need to build a good and balanced team who want to compete for things,” he added.
“Pochettino insisted that he needs a “happy” squad and warned the players that they must prove their mettle to the coaching staff to earn a starting berth.
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“Players that will be here next season need to be happy. If they believe they need to be in the starting 11 and they are not going to accept being on the bench because of the coach – Chelsea pay me to choose 11 players – it is better they talk from now.
“We need to stop thinking ‘I come here to play’. No, ‘I come here to help the club to achieve what we want and then I need to convince the coaching staff that I deserve to play. That is why always it is important to have the right players, the right balance and then accept what is going on,” he added.
Pochettino’s troubles arise from Chelsea FC spending £600 million ($763 million) in the last two transfer windows. After dismissing more than ten players, including Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, it remains to be seen how Pochettino manages the remainder of the summer clear-out.
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