Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, emphasized that he is not interested in having a large squad and is prepared to make difficult decisions during the transfer window.
Following a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly in Atlanta, where Nicolas Jackson and Miguel Almiron scored for their respective teams, Pochettino expressed his concern about maintaining team morale.
With 29 players currently in the pre-season camp, he believes it’s necessary to reduce the squad size before the Premier League commences to ensure that all players have the opportunity to see regular game time.
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Pochettino acknowledged that team dynamics are currently positive, but he understands the challenges of keeping players content when a few are left out in each game.
His goal is to create a well-balanced squad with players who have a genuine chance to compete and contribute to the team’s success.
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The Chelsea manager explained that building a cohesive team is the primary objective during the transfer window.
He stressed the importance of having a happy and content squad and assured that if players feel unhappy due to lack of playing time, the club will find a suitable solution.
Pochettino firmly stated that a massive squad with players not being involved can lead to internal issues.
Instead, he believes in the concept of “less is more” and aims to have around 22 to 24 players, including some younger talents.
While admitting that tough decisions might be necessary, he is committed to constructing a well-balanced team that is eager to compete for honors.
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He reminded the players that they must prove their worth to the coaching staff if they want to secure a spot in the starting lineup.
Being part of the team means being ready to contribute and accepting that starting positions must be earned through hard work and dedication.
Pochettino’s challenges stem from Chelsea’s significant spending in the previous transfer windows, amounting to £600 million ($763m).
This has led to a surplus of players, and he needs to address the situation during the summer clear-out.
Already, more than 10 players, including Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, have been released, and Pochettino’s decisions will be crucial in shaping the team for the upcoming season.
