3 Things Chelsea Can Expect From Mauricio Pochettino As He Takes Over As Head Coach

3 Things Chelsea Can Expect From Mauricio Pochettino As He Takes Over As Head Coach

Martin Moses
updated at April 22, 2024 at 2:32 PM
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  • Mauricio Pochettino was officially confirmed as Chelsea's new Head Coach on May 29
  • He will begin his role on July 1 as he seeks to dig out the Blues from this season's mess
  • The ex-Tottenham manager has always been criticised for his lack of trophies

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The search for the new Chelsea head coach came to an end after Mauricio Pochettino was announced as the new manager.

After weeks of intensified rumours, the Argentine was handed a two-year contract with the club confirming the news through their website and social media handles.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino celebrates at the end of a game during his days as Tottenham boss. Photo by Chris Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

Pochettino's lack of trophies during his first spell in England with Tottenham Hotspur has always been a consideration when judging his suitability to manage a top club.

However, Sports Brief believes he might be the answer to a struggling Chelsea side in dire need of an uplift.

Then again, after Nagelsmann and Enrique withdrew and with Zinedine Zidane reportedly focused on Juventus, Pochettino was probably the only option Chelsea had.

What can Chelsea faithful expect from him?

1. 4-2-3-1 formation

In Poch, Chelsea will get a manager who is willing to put everything on the line while attacking. Scoring goals has been the club's main issue this season and looking at Pochettino's previous teams, it was an area he addressed pretty well.

The 4-2-3-1 formation allows for the main striker and the three players behind him to prod forward. The double pivot in midfield provides cover for the defence when his fullbacks overlap. Chelsea are blessed with two of the best in the position in Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

It will be interesting to see which striker he will use or if he will push the club to sign a new one. The number 10 role could be filled by Mason Mount or Kai Havertz. He is also keen on quick transitions and constant pressing when out of possession.

2. Development of young players

Remember prime Delle Alli? That was Pochettino in full swing. His arrival in West London will be welcome news to the many young players the new Chelsea ownership has signed.

There have been reports that the Argentine is confident of turning Mykhailo Mudryk into a potent goal-scorer. Noni Madueke also exploded towards the end of the season and could be a beneficiary of a coach who trusts young players.

3. Stability and experience

Pochettino's misgivings at Tottenham and PSG notwithstanding, no one can question his experience in managing top clubs and big egos. This is a manager who has dealt with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Harry Kane and co.

He can be relied upon to inject the required stability at Stamford Bridge, provide direction, and reign in player power. It was an aspect that many believed was lacking during the short-lived Graham Potter era.

The bottom line is - Pochettino shouldn't be judged solely by his inability to win trophies but with the current squad Chelsea has, he will be unexcused if he doesn't turn them into title contenders. The Blues' owners need to save face; he could be the answer to their issues.

What Chelsea needs to revive

A brace from Rodrygo on April 18 condemned Chelsea to exit the UEFA Champions League, as the struggling club failed to contain Real Madrid's march to an eleventh semi-final in 13 years.

The English club are now set to sit out of European football until at least 2025, but as Sports Brief has analysed, this might be just what the club needs to find its feet amid a period of turmoil.

With the season effectively done and dusted - and with the Blues trophy-less in all competitions - the ownership must take certain steps to ensure Chelsea recovers from an all-time low.

Authors
Martin Moses photo
Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)