Reportedly, Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, has cautioned his players about the competitive nature of Premier League football, emphasizing that it is “not a charity.” He made it clear that players recovering from injuries cannot expect an automatic return to the team and stressed the necessity for them to showcase their capabilities through intense training and impactful performances.
While acknowledging the eagerness of players like Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku, who have been sidelined for an extended period, to get back into action, Pochettino emphasized the rigorous competition in the Premier League. He stated that players must put in exceptional effort during training and make a significant impact on the field to secure their place in the team.
Pochettino clarified that the team is not engaged in preseason matches, and players need to grasp the competitive dynamics of the league. He outlined the selection criteria, indicating that those who have consistently trained and remained fit for six months are better prepared to contribute than those returning from injury.
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In his statement to Vanguard, Pochettino said, “After six months, players like Nkunku and Lavia, they need to understand that the EPL is not a charity thing. They need to understand that to be involved, they need to train really hard every day. They need to make an impact every time they go on the pitch. It’s not like we are playing pre-season games.”
Expressing frustration with complaints surrounding the players, Pochettino emphasized the club’s disappointment if the investments made in players do not translate into on-field performance. He underscored the challenge of finding the right balance between managing players’ return from injury and maintaining a competitive edge in the demanding realm of football.