In an exclusive interview, Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, discusses the impact of Marcelo Bielsa and describes the Premier League as an extremely challenging competition upon his comeback.
Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine coach of Chelsea, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with TNT Sports. In the interview, he spoke about the influence of his compatriot Marcelo Bielsa on his coaching career and his determination to evolve and adapt his own philosophy as he settles into his role in the Premier League.
Pochettino has been in charge of Chelsea for almost six months now and has led a young and formative squad to 10th place in the league. They are set to face Luton Town on December 30, a match that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
It has been nearly 11 years since Pochettino first arrived in England, taking over at Southampton in January 2013. His high-energy, high pressing style of play helped drive a tactical evolution in the league. Now, 15 years into his managerial career, Pochettino opened up about how he and his staff constantly iterate their style.
Pochettino acknowledged the importance of Bielsa in his development as a coach, but also emphasized that his philosophy is a collective effort shared with his coaching staff. He believes in constantly evolving and adapting to the changing nature of football.
Reflecting on his role at Chelsea, Pochettino described it as a very exciting project and a massive challenge. He expressed confidence in the talent of his squad and believes that success is only a matter of time.
One of the biggest challenges for Pochettino has been building a cohesive squad with players from different leagues and backgrounds. Injuries to key players like Reece James and Wesley Fofana have also made it difficult for him to select a consistent starting XI. However, Pochettino believes that building trust and confidence within the team and the club is the most important aspect of his role.
Pochettino last managed in the Premier League in 2019 with Tottenham Hotspur. During his time there, he led the club to a UEFA Champions League final and their highest league finish. He played a crucial role in the development of players like Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Dele Alli.
When asked about how the Premier League has changed since his departure, Pochettino emphasized the constant evolution of the competition. He described it as the best league in the world and highlighted the demands and focus required to compete at the highest level.
Chelsea will face Luton Town following their recent 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Fans can also subscribe to TNT Sports through various TV platforms.
Overall, Pochettino is determined to continue evolving and adapting his coaching philosophy at Chelsea. He sees the project as an exciting challenge and believes in the talent of his squad. With time, he is confident that they will achieve success in the Premier League.