Game Changer: Mauricio Pochettino's Bold Message to Chelsea Players Amidst Record-Breaking Season Kickoff

After the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino urged his Chelsea players to mature as a team, as it marked their worst top-flight beginning in 45 years. Additionally, Pochettino will be deprived of his starting striker Nicolas Jackson, who received his fifth yellow card in only his sixth Premier League match, resulting in a one-match suspension. Furthermore, Malo Gusto will be absent due to his red card against the Villans.

However, the entire team must also mature collectively. Nicolas, being a young player, is still adapting to the Premier League and gaining experience.

"He requires sufficient time to understand that in such competitive games, winning is our objective. However, it is crucial for young players to learn from their mistakes and gain experience.

This is the reason why we feel disheartened because we encounter numerous instances like this. These occurrences are minor details that ultimately contribute to our defeat. It is imperative that we promptly rectify this situation."

The responsibility lies with the players, and it is unfair to attribute blame to the VAR or the referee. We should approach this situation differently and not hold Malo Gusto accountable, as such incidents are part of football. Unfortunately, this particular situation had a negative impact on both the game and the team. It is crucial to view this as a learning experience, as we are a young team going through a developmental phase that requires collective learning. Although it is challenging to focus on positives in defeat, we must discuss the positive aspects as well.

Chelsea have undoubtedly shown potential to improve over time, but it is crucial to acknowledge the disappointing situation that has affected not only the fans, the club, and ourselves, but also the players. This is evident from their recent lackluster performances, failing to score in consecutive matches against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and now Aston Villa.

Only Burnley and Luton have scored fewer league goals this season, while even dating back to last season the Blues have netted only 14 times in their last 16 games.

Datawrapper

Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.

Open Privacy Options

Pochettino emphasized the importance of "work" in enhancing their success in the attacking third. He stressed the significance of building trust and confidence among the team. Recognizing that their squad cannot be altered, he acknowledged the owners' disappointment while urging them to back the project.

We will strive to instill confidence and provide them with the utmost support, as performing on the field is paramount. The performance is satisfactory, though not outstanding, yet we lack precision when it comes to scoring goals.

We must persist and put in the necessary work. I cannot identify an alternative solution; thus, we shall commence anew tomorrow to foster confidence and establish trust, with the expectation of scoring on Wednesday.

Emery: Three points important for PL balance

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was pleased that his side showed more defensive solidity than they have done in previous Premier League game this season.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a series of crucial saves against a struggling Chelsea. Emery praised the three points, which came from Ollie Watkins' goal in the 73rd minute, and emphasized their significance in maintaining balance in the league while competing on various fronts.

He stated, "It is crucial for us to maintain consistency in the Premier League from the start. We must be stronger than we were against Newcastle and Liverpool."

Today's match was challenging, but we displayed great competitiveness. Our focus was to take control of the ball from the start and strengthen our defensive strategy, and we succeeded.

Although they had opportunities, our goalkeeper came through for us. Towards the end, we also had our chances to score. When we had the advantage of an extra player, we seized that opportunity to take an offensive approach and it paid off.

We held onto the outcome, maintained control, and endeavored to secure a second goal. Winning in this place is challenging, often requiring defensive mastery and heroic saves from the goalkeeper.

These three points hold utmost significance for us, as they help us maintain equilibrium in the Premier League and restore equilibrium following our participation in the Europa Conference League.

We are still in the process of building the team, with more work ahead of us. However, today's utilization of different players was positive. Our objective is to enhance our squad by adding new players and creating a stronger team. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on areas that need improvement.

The striker, Watkins, scoring is always significant. I am delighted because he consistently demonstrates excellent work ethic and a remarkable commitment towards his teammates. His goals contribute not only to our success but also to his individual growth.