Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges that he hasn’t felt the affection of Chelsea fans, recognizing their sentiment due to the team’s underwhelming performance this season. Despite his arrival at Stamford Bridge with the aim of rejuvenating the club’s standing in the Premier League, Chelsea remains in the lower half of the table, leading to a strained atmosphere among supporters. Pochettino believes the fans’ frustration is justified, given the lack of notable on-field improvements.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Pochettino candidly admitted, “No, no, I need to be honest with you, no, because I understand they were winning the Champions League, they won cups, the Premier League. Why are the fans going to love me after six, seven months? We are in a final, but we are not in a good position in the table in the Premier League.”
He acknowledged the respect he receives from fans on the streets but emphasized the reality of the situation. Pochettino also discussed the unique challenges of managing a youthful Chelsea squad, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach beyond traditional coaching methods.
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“I always think it is about reading the situation and listening to other coaches, and you need to evolve,” he reflected. “The kids are not the same as 20 years ago. It’s easy to come here and be very tough and shout and talk and say things that maybe make me feel good because I can shout and scream, but I think it has zero impact on the player.”
Pochettino stressed the importance of connecting with players on a personal level, understanding their individual needs, and adapting coaching strategies accordingly. He acknowledged the complexity of the job, recognizing the time it takes for young players to adapt to the pressures and expectations associated with their roles. Despite the challenges, Pochettino remains optimistic that their hard work will yield positive results in the future.