Pochettino sends firm warning to Chelsea squad as he aims to avoid ‘MESS’

Tom Hancock

27 Jul 2023 03:40 CDT
3 min read

Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Mauricio Pochettino has stressed the importance of keeping Chelsea’s squad size in check for the upcoming campaign.

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The Blues have taken a group of 29 players on their pre-season tour of the USA – and their new head coach wants to trim that down to below 25 ahead of next term, citing concerns around happiness in the dressing room.

Pochettino discussed the issue after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Newcastle in Atlanta on Wednesday, with summer signing Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring.

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The Argentine told reporters: “At the moment, the dynamic is very good – really good guys and they are sharing the time together. It is difficult because sometimes in every game three, four, five players cannot play and that is difficult because the mood is difficult. It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who have the opportunity to play and can compete for their place.

“That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window to build a good relationship and good balance…What we cannot have is a massive squad, players not be involved and then it's going to create a mess in the squad. Maybe less is more and more is less; it is not mathematic. That is why I need to make clear we don't need a big squad. We need 22, 23, 24 players with some younger and that's it…

“Players that will be here next season need to be happy. If they believe they need to be in the starting 11 and they are not going to accept being on the bench because of the coach – Chelsea pay me to choose 11 players – it is better they talk from now…”

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© ProShots - €60m Christopher Nkunku is Chelsea's most expensive signing of the summer so far

Four in, 13 out

This transfer window has seen a significant player turnover at Stamford Bridge, with four new faces coming in and no fewer than 13 departing.

Among the big-name exits so far have been Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic – who have joined Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City respectively.