LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino refutes the perception of being ‘nice,’ comparing himself to tough counterparts Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, despite his amiable image.
Pochettino’s Chelsea has experienced a challenging start to the 2023-24 season, currently 15th in the Premier League.
Critics have previously labeled him as too ‘nice,’ especially during his tenure at Tottenham, where he fell short of winning major trophies.
Arsenal’s Arteta and Manchester City’s Guardiola are seen as more ruthless managers.
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Pochettino emphasizes his own toughness, stating he won’t shy away from making difficult decisions, particularly in team selection.
Since the Todd Boehly-led takeover in 2022, Chelsea has invested over £1 billion in new players, affording Pochettino the opportunity to acquire his preferred targets.
However, certain signings like Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson have yet to make an immediate impact, and injuries to key players, particularly in defense, have further hindered the team.
Injured players include Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Wesley Fofana.
Pochettino’s focus now is on returning to winning ways as Chelsea faces Fulham in a crucial London derby at Craven Cottage on Monday night.
