Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has acknowledged the struggles faced by the club’s young core of players amidst the pressure of representing Chelsea.
Since Todd Boehly & Clearlake Capital’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea has undergone significant squad changes, with sales funding acquisitions of numerous young talents at substantial fees.
The extent of this overhaul is evident, as only three players from the squad that contested the 2021 FA Cup final against Leicester City will feature in Sunday’s quarter-final clash with the Foxes: Ben Chilwell, Reece James, and Thiago Silva.
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“We are currently in a process where the main group, particularly the young players, are finding it challenging to cope with the pressure of playing for Chelsea,” Pochettino remarked ahead of the game. “We are aware of this and are concentrating on supporting them in all aspects. It’s not just about training; we’ve spent a lot of time discussing… discussing with the individuals surrounding these players, who are also crucial.”
In his ongoing efforts to foster camaraderie among the new faces, Pochettino hosted his third barbecue of the season on Friday.
“The concept is to foster camaraderie among the players, and all staff members are welcome too,” he elaborated. “We anticipate around 120 or 130 attendees. The key is for players to comprehend the essence of being a Chelsea player, to sometimes share aspects beyond the pitch, to unite as a team, and cultivate a positive atmosphere.
“While we may not score goals over a barbecue, it’s about communication and fostering a sense of well-being.
“The training ground isn’t just a workplace; it’s a home, and we aim to cultivate a positive environment for everyone to rally behind a common goal – winning.”