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Patience with Mauricio Pochettino spells glory for Chelsea

By Karan Saini

Chelsea's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino smiles as he attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge in London on July 7, 2023, as he is introduced to the media as the new Chelsea Head Coach. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino smiles as he attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge in London on July 7, 2023, as he is introduced to the media as the new Chelsea Head Coach. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino (now at Chelsea) (L) embraces Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the UEFA Champions League first round group A football match between Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) and Manchester City, at The Parc des Princes, in Paris, on September 28, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Pep Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City

Guardiola’s era at Man City started in the 2016-2017 campaign. Pep inherited a squad that had experienced relative success in previous seasons but had finished fourth in the Premier League the previous year. His arrival brought high expectations and excitement among Manchester City supporters.

In his debut season, the Spaniard implemented his trademark possession-based playing style, underlining quick passing, positional play, and pressing high up the pitch. He sought to transform City into a dominant force in English football.

City started the season strongly, winning their opening ten games in all competitions, which included six consecutive victories in the league. However, they faced challenges and inconsistency as the season progressed. Manchester City finished third with 78 points from 38 matches. They won 23 games, drew nine, and lost six, scoring 80 goals and conceding 39.

Despite finishing behind Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, The Citizens secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the following season. One of the standout moments of the season was City’s impressive 5-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League in September 2017. They were eliminated in the fifth round of the FA Cup by Arsenal and reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup but were defeated by Manchester United.

Guardiola’s impact on the team’s playing style and individual players was evident. He encouraged his players to play with a high level of technicality and creativity, often employing full-backs in advanced positions and fielding a fluid attacking lineup. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero thrived under his guidance.

While Guardiola’s first season did not bring immediate dominance or major trophies, it was considered a transition period. His influence on Manchester City’s style of play and the culture within the club was clear, and he laid the groundwork for an all-time squad.

Next. The thing that Pochettino demands from his Chelsea players. dark

While it is important to acknowledge that Pochettino may not be at the same level as Klopp and Guardiola just yet, it serves as a reminder that even the most revered managers face challenges in their initial seasons and require time to make their mark. With Pochettino, CFC finally has a manager with a proven track record of successfully building squads. The question that remains is whether Chelsea supporters and management can summon the patience needed to support Pochettino’s vision or succumb to the traditional approach of quick personnel changes.

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