Chelsea

Chelsea players 'were underwhelmed by Mauricio Pochettino training methods'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 May 2024

Chelsea players 'were underwhelmed by Pochettino training methods'

A number of Chelsea players were allegedly left underwhelmed by some of Mauricio Pochettino's training methods prior to his departure from Stamford Bridge.

Some of Chelsea's first-team squad were allegedly left unconvinced by Mauricio Pochettino's training methods this season.

Pochettino ended 2023-24 appearing to have turned the corner at Stamford Bridge, recording five successive wins to secure sixth place in the Premier League standings.

However, just over 48 hours on from their 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, the Blues and Pochettino reached a mutual decision to go their separate ways.

Pochettino's exit has left a sour taste with the majority of the fanbase, with co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital now scrambling for someone who they deemed to be a more suitable alternative.

Furthermore, many of Chelsea's first-team squad have taken to social media to express their gratitude for the impact that Pochettino made behind the scenes.

Nevertheless, a report has emerged in The Athletic which has thrown doubt over whether the Argentine had the universal backing of the senior crop.

Ex-Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino on May 11, 2024 © Reuters

Some training sessions proved to be 'underwhelming'

The report alleges that some of the training sessions put on by the 52-year-old had proven to be underwhelming and the players had received instructions that did not necessarily lead to solutions.

Chelsea's midfield partnership of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez also reportedly did not suit Pochettino's preference, a matter that is no secret with a more physically-imposing player said to have been on his wishlist last summer.

Instead, it is claimed that Pochettino had reservations that the pair could work effectively in tandem, despite costing Chelsea in excess of £220m.

Fernandez's absence from the team during the run-in was the catalyst for a midfield change that resulted in Chelsea's best form of the season, with Conor Gallagher dropping deeper to partner Caicedo.

Co-owner and Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly reacts after the match on March 11, 2024 © Reuters

How are Chelsea faring in search for successor?

Boehly and co are eager to have an alternative in place as soon as possible, with the latest reports indicating they want the successor appointed by the end of next week.

Leicester City's Enzo Maresca is said to be one of the leading choices with Chelsea contemplating whether to pay the compensation fee for the Championship-title-winning head coach.

The same applies to Kieran McKenna, who is reportedly prepared to depart Ipswich Town to take over at Chelsea, Manchester United or Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brentford's Thomas Frank is another said to be on the shortlist, with the German having just seen his set-piece coach leave the Bees for Chelsea.