3 Things Mauricio Pochettino has got right at Chelsea this season

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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: Chelsea FC manager Mauricio Pochettino gives instructions to Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto during a break in play during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on September 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

Restoring a Tactical Identity

From Jose Mourinho’s defensive stronghold clinching three Premier league titles to Carlo Ancelotti’s lethal attacking force that won the Blues the domestic double in 2009/10, a flexible tactical identity has been key to success at Stamford Bridge. Despite standing 10th in the league, Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical prowess against the Premier League’s best sides shows promise of improvement. The Blues stifling of Manchester City’s attacking game plan with an intricate high pressing system, took away the controlled build up that Guardiola’s men usually enjoy.

Across 12 league matches, Pochettino’s blueprint is crystalizing: press intensely high off the ball forcing errors in opposition build-up and on the ball use your midfielders and defender’s passing ability to find spaces for forwards to exploit on the flanks. Conor Gallagher is a standout player that’s benefited from Pochettino’s tactical directives. Once seen as a raw prospect with limited ball-playing skills and a more aggressive defensive style, Gallagher has blossomed under Pochettino’s guidance. He now spearheads the Blues’ pressing, showcasing improved defensive attributes and enhancing his ball distribution, tallying four assists this season.

In attack, Chelsea initially struggled with finishing their chances, but have now surged to an impressive 16 goals in their last six outings. It speaks to the confidence that Pochettino has instilled in his attacking unit, leading to the emergence of Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling’s resurgence and Nicolas Jackson’s increased form. The players have embraced the manager’s ideologies and the only tactical weakness left for Pochettino to resolve is the Blues inability to score against teams defending in a low block. While competing with the likes of Spurs, Manchester City and Arsenal is great, losing 2-0 to Brentford at home won’t win you any silverware. Especially when the blueprint to beating a CFC side has never been more obvious.

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