Following Chelsea's recent 2-2 draw with Sheffield United, manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his intention to adopt a more cautious approach in his dealings with the media. Pochettino, who had previously criticized his team's immaturity and struggles to compete consistently, is now focused on delivering a positive message to his young squad.
Chelsea, currently sitting in 9th place in the league table and facing the risk of missing out on European football for a second consecutive season, have been grappling with defensive issues, conceding 11 goals in their last five league matches. With an average squad age of 24 years and 280 days, the team is the second youngest in the league.
Pochettino believes that a shift towards more positive messaging will help bring out the best performances from his players. He emphasized the need to accept the current situation and maintain a constructive outlook, particularly given the youthful composition of the squad.
Addressing the media, Pochettino acknowledged the challenges faced by Chelsea this season but stressed the importance of staying optimistic and focusing on improvement. He highlighted the hard work being put in by the team to address their shortcomings and enhance their performance levels.
Regarding player updates, Pochettino confirmed that Ben Chilwell, who had been sidelined due to injury, has returned to training. He also provided updates on the fitness status of Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernández, indicating that both players are undergoing assessment for their respective issues.
As Chelsea prepare for their upcoming clash with Everton, Pochettino remains committed to instilling a positive mindset within the squad and working towards overcoming their challenges. The manager's strategic shift in communication aims to motivate the team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.