Mauricio Pochettino has alluded to his goals for the forthcoming summer transfer window and indicated that he has long-term plans at Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea have had a difficult season this year (Image: GETTY)
Despite a pre-arranged meeting with the club’s board at the end of the season, Mauricio Pochettino made it clear that he intends to remain Chelsea’s manager for the following campaign. The Argentine will have a two-way appraisal meeting at Stamford Bridge with the higher powers. However, it’s evident from his most recent remarks to the press that he plans to remain in west London come August.
According to the appraisal, Pochettino may resign from his position with the approval of the Chelsea board if they both decide that splitting up is the best course of action to get out of their current situation. Just 12 of the 30 Premier League games this season have been won by the Blues before they take on Everton on Monday night.
Following a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United, who are currently at the bottom of the league, in which the Blades equalized in the 93rd minute, Pochettino called his team “immature”. Chelsea, like at Bramall Lane, twice took the lead but ended up drawing 2-2 with Burnley, another team vying for relegation, at the Bridge last month.
Pochettino appears eager to stay in his position as manager, despite the fact that his team only has 44 points and may end up in the bottom half of the standings for the second straight season. At the same time, he revealed some details about his summertime transfer goals.
The 52-year-old would like to add some more experience to the team to balance out the younger players, but he is not opposed to Chelsea’s ownership bringing in even more young talent. In the upcoming weeks, he will have a meeting with Chelsea’s power brokers to decide on a strategy for the summer transfer window.
Prior to Everton, Pochettino stated, “We need to bring in some experienced players as well as more young players.” That is all communication. It’s about coming to an agreement with the team, evaluating and planning the upcoming season’s approach, and going out and pursuing great things. That is incredibly significant.
It’s as though every body needs to be evaluated. We must evaluate the causes of the injuries, the likelihood that they will occur again, and the club’s injury history.”
After what have now been two consecutive seasons of hardship for the Londoners, Pochettino is optimistic about the future. They could be doomed to finish lower than 10th this season after ending 12th the previous one. Since 1995 and 1996, they have not finished in the bottom half of two consecutive campaigns.
“I say this is an immature team for a variety of reasons, because none of the members are there to grow, learn, and change,” he continued. However, we live in different circumstances now [such as injuries].
But since it’s just an excuse, excuse, excuse, I don’t want to discuss it. It’s not an excuse, though. That’s the way things really are. It is true. That’s a step in the procedure. Naturally, this season will benefit us as well.”
Chelsea, who have played two fewer games than Newcastle, are six points behind sixth-placed Newcastle heading into their match against Everton. They will draw level with the Magpies in the competition to play in Europe the following season if they defeat Brighton and the Toffees in their remaining games.
When asked whether he would be content to stay at Chelsea even if they didn’t make it to the Europa Conference League, Pochettino replied, “Of course.” Since we already knew we wouldn’t be competing in Europe when I came here.
“And I mentioned the idea and the project—that is, to come here and assemble a competitive team in an attempt to get to this level. Thus, no, I have no issue with that.”
