Mauricio Pochettino was finally confirmed as the new Chelsea manager yesterday afternoon. The Argentine has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third.
When fans and media alike think about what success for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea looks like, a large portion would simply reply “win trophies”, and yes, that is true, but there are certain things Pochettino needs to do, in order to make the likelihood of winning the big trophies more likely, so let’s discuss some of those elements that will help Chelsea get back to the top of World Football.
Create a tight-knit group and establish an identity:
One of the first jobs Pochettino will have on his hands upon arrival is taking over a group of players that is extremely large and struggling for identity due to playing under four different coaches in the 2022/23 season.
Pochettino had a similar scenario when joining Tottenham in 2014, where he was tasked with whittling down a 30-man squad and creating a group of players with an identity and close bond. Everyone in this squad worked for one another, and they became a unit rather than a team of individuals. At many points this season, Chelsea have looked like a team of individuals, null of ideas and direction.
He will be hoping that Chelsea’s recruitment staff can whittle down the squad size to a more coachable number, but there are no guarantees in a market where every club know Chelsea need to sell.
Pochettino’s task will be to create an atmosphere where everyone knows the identity/style of play, and wants to work for one another for the greater good of the team. This is a mentality that is fundamental to Pochettino’s success, and you can put your money on the fact he will demand that from this Chelsea group, however large or small the group may be.
Establish his best 11:
The second thing I want to touch on is the need to establish a best 11, and rotations within the squad. This past season, especially under Graham Potter, Chelsea fielded the most different starting XIs in the Premier League, more than any other team.
The importance of continuity should not be ignored in football, by having the squad built where everyone is on the same page, it allows partnerships to be formed, and relationships on the pitch to grow, which is a massive part of Football.
Relationships between players are key when seeking for success. Many of the best players credit other teammates for enhancing their play, an example of this under Poch would be the partnership of Vertonghen and Alderweireld, as well as Kane and Son in Pochettino’s later years with Spurs.
Pochettino needs to form this environment early at Chelsea, deciding his best eleven and allow them to grow organically as a team, creating relationships from front to back which would see a significant rise in the fluidity of the team.
Manage upwards:
Frank Lampard recently told the Chelsea website that “It was more difficult than I had imagined” in reference to working behind the scenes. Thomas Tuchel fell out with the owners and we never got to hear Graham Potter’s version of events in regards to the higher-ups.
Pochettino needs to manage upwards well, by communicating his thoughts on a regular basis to Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, but also being ruthless in his decision-making.
I do not want Pochettino to be overruled or walked all over like Graham Potter was. Although I dislike his decision to not want Joao Felix, it is an early sign that he does have control.
He has only signed a two-year deal, something that LondonsFirst understands is also relative to what happened with Graham Potter. However, this does not mean he should be thinking short-term.
If Pochettino is to succeed at Chelsea, he needs to be communicative with the hierarchy about team matters. On the other hand, it is VITAL that the owners and hierarchy let Pochettino manage and do not disrupt his training sessions or methods.
Build a fast relationship with the fans :
One of the most documented Chelsea matches in the last years was “The battle of the Bridge” between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2016. Chelsea drew 2-2 to end Tottenham’s hopes of winning the title.
Mauricio Pochettino of course, was in the opposition dug out. Many Chelsea fans online and in and around the ground are confused why the consortium led by Clearlake Capital have opted for a former Tottenham Manager in a time when the relationship between fan and owner is at an all-time low due to the horrendous season.
For Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge, rivalry is everything, it is pure hatred, every home match, the liquidator is met with “We hate Tottenham” as the teams walk out.
With this being said, Pochettino has to build a rapport with the fans and fast, if he has any chance of surviving similar toxicity that was aimed towards Graham Potter.
Chelsea fans are already apprehensive about the appointment, so it will be up to the manager to change their stance.
Of course, results always do the talking but even Maurizio Sarri found out in 2019 that finishing third in the league table and winning a trophy does not save you from abuse in the stands.
Pochettino’s first interview is sure to be analysed by thousands.. what does he say? does he mention Tottenham and how? Is he ambitious? Does he see,/sound excited and happy? What is his body language?.
The Argentine can win over Chelsea in the short term with the correct wording and in the long term, he will need to embody the charismatic and feisty character on the touchline that makes the Stamford Bridge faithful happy and excited.
Lastly, Pochettino should make a habit of applauding the fans home and away, even after losses. There is nothing more appreciative as a supporter who has spent hard-earned money than being respected by the team and manager.
If Mauricio Pochettino can deliver in these four areas on a consistent basis, he will at the very minimum be remembered by Chelsea fans in a good way when he leaves, and at the maximum, be one of the best coaches Chelsea ever had.
By Max L-F and Connor Holden
