How can Chelsea unite under Mauricio Pochettino?
Chelsea have had a very poor 2022/23 season. After going through three different managers in a year, the Blues finished 12th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe the following season. A 12th-place finish behind Brighton and Aston Villa is not good enough for Chelsea’s standards. Following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, there are hopes the Blues will be back in contention for the title. Most importantly, Argentina have a lot of players to work with.
Despite having a record-breaking winter transfer window, Chelsea are expected to make more signings. The Blues have earned a lot of money through the sale of players and will be looking to add some additions to the squad. However, the big question is How Chelsea will prepare under Pochettino, Here, we take a look at the formation and players who could match the former Tottenham Hotspur manager’s model.
Chelsea’s lineup under Mauricio Pochettino
The backline could include Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. In front of him, we could see the back four of Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiachile and Ben Chilwell. Following the departure of Edouard Mendy, there was much speculation that Kepa would also leave Stamford Bridge. However, the Spaniard will remain Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
James and Chilwell will be Chelsea’s first-choice fullbacks. The Blues have confirmed the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta. James and Chilwell have struggled with injuries in the last 12 months. James will have competition from Malo Gusto and will also have a shortened game schedule. With Thiago Silva unable to play every game and the departure of Kalidou Koulibaly, Pochettino expects Fofa and Badiazele to be his first-choice centre-backs.
The midfield could feature Moises Cacedo, Enzo Fernandez and Noni Maduke. Multiple news outlets are confirming that Caido will be Pochettino’s priority after the departure of N’Golo Kante. He is not only known for his defensive abilities and quality of possession. Fernandez has not shown the level of consistency that has made him the most expensive player in the Premier League. However, sitting behind Cassido, we could see signs of improvement in his game. With the departure of Mason Mount, Maduke will take up the advanced midfield position.
Christopher Nkunku, Mykhaylo Mudrić and Nicholas Jackson could be involved in this attack. Nkunku signed for Chelsea after an impressive campaign with RB Leipzig last season. The winger scored 16 Bundesliga goals and provided four assists. He will play the same role that Frank Lampard played at Stamford Bridge, breaking into the box and scoring various goals. Mudrich must answer to his critics after a disappointing six months at Chelsea. He is yet to score a goal and will clash with Raheem Sterling on the left wing. After signing a £29.8million deal from Villarreal, Jackson will be the striker.
