What Mauricio Pochettino plans to do in the international break to prepare Chelsea for Arsenal clash
The international break has come around once again, and it’s evident that Chelsea is entering it in a much better mood compared to September.
The team has secured three consecutive victories against Brighton, Fulham, and Burnley.
Although they will face tougher challenges later in October, their Premier League points total now looks healthier than it did after their loss to Nottingham Forest.
Mauricio Pochettino had been firm in his belief that his team didn’t get the results they deserved in the early fixtures of the season. However, with six points from their last two games, they have improved their position before facing Arsenal upon their return.
Chelsea has faced limitations in their preparations during the early months of the season, despite Pochettino’s arrival in time for pre-season. They made several late additions to the squad, including Moises Caicedo, Djordje Petrovic, and Cole Palmer, who joined after the season had already begun.
Injuries have also played a role as the squad continues to build both personal and professional cohesion. It has been a common sight to see injured players like Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, and others at Stamford Bridge when they have been unable to play.
Pochettino has frequently emphasized the youth and, more importantly, the lack of experience of his team playing together. He made sure to highlight this in September.
“First of all the players need to be settled, feel comfortable, know each other,” Pochettino said.
“We were talking also when we assessed the injuries. Now, we are going to compete with teams that play three, four or five years. Even six months. Our keeper Robert played with Disasi four or fives games, Disasi with Malo Gusto for three games, Thiago with Colwill, three or four games. With Lesley Ugochukwu one game, he plays with Enzo, one game. Training sessions between pre-season, national team and the season, not too many, how after to perform under pressure.
“Nico and Sterling they need time to create the links, with Mischa, with Noni, with Palmer, he arrived two days before the transfer window finished. It’s not an excuse but we need to analyse all of these things.”
Now, a significant portion of Chelsea’s extensive pool of talented players will travel around the world to represent their national teams, which means Pochettino won’t have the chance to build experience with some of his players together. Nonetheless, he will still have talents like Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka at his disposal, and his aspirations remain intact.
After the victory against Burnley, Pochettino outlined his strategy during the break. However, the word “explained” doesn’t seem to be the most fitting choice here.
He said: “To improve players, try to recover players from injury in two weeks, we’re going to spend working in the training ground. Of course different mood from the last time, last month. With a victory, it is much better. I think pushing, keep pushing and working hard to try and be better.”
Facing Arsenal after their recent victory over Manchester City leaves little room for relaxation.
What Mauricio Pochettino plans to do in the international break to prepare Chelsea for Arsenal clash