Football

Premier League team introductions: Chelsea are with a big question mark and can only surprise

There is perhaps no team in the Premier League with a bigger pre-season question mark than Chelsea. Fans can certainly take comfort in the fact that the Blues have been taken over by Mauricio Pochettino, who certainly knows what the long-term concept is. However, how quickly can he put this team together to perform to their paper quality?

Published

1 year ago

9. 8. 2023

Jirka Malý

Coach

That being said, the coaching post could perhaps not be better filled than by Pochettino, who has already proven his ability with team building at Tottenham. A similar job awaits him at Stamford Bridge, but with one difference, the Chelsea owner certainly has no problems splashing the cash on reinforcements.

The Argentine coach could build a really interesting team in a relatively short period of time. The only question is how fast he can do it.

Goalkeeper

The new face Robert Sánchez, who came from Brighton, for whom he played a total of 90 games, has already made two starts for the Spanish national team. Together with Kepa, this duo can be considered as a quality coverage of the goal area.

It will certainly be interesting to see how Sánchez performs and whether he solves Chelsea’s goalkeeping problem, which has been going on for a very long time.

Defence

Pochettino can certainly build on the defensive line. Four stoppers with huge potential can be well assisted by the experienced Thiago Silva. Even the edges of the defence are clearly well covered, especially when it comes to Reece James.

Injuries are a problem, however, as Wesley Fofana will only get into the game later in the season and Benoit Badiashile is out for the time being. Chelsea, however, have a wide squad and should be fine.

Backup

The Blues’ midfield lineup is somewhat troubled, with perhaps only Enzo Fernandez left in the starting lineup. There is a lot of talk about the arrival of Moisés Caicedo from Brighton. However, Chelsea are missing many more and it is questionable whether talented youngsters will fill the missing positions.

In addition, Pochettino will not be able to use the services of Christopher Nkunku for a few months, who will probably start on the sub. We can definitely expect some reinforcements here, otherwise we are probably talking about the weakest spot in the Blues lineup.

Attack

Chelsea’s wing spaces are more than well covered. The two experienced players Raheem Sterling and Hakim Ziyech are represented by Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke. In addition, Pochettino has returnee Callum Hudson-Odoi at his disposal, as well as Brazilian talent Ángel.

In attack, Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson will be waiting for their opportunity. Romelu Lukaku is reportedly expected to be on his way out. The question is whether and possibly who will come in as his replacement.

So the attack is perhaps an even bigger question mark than the midfield. One thing is for sure though, Pochettino has a big job ahead of him as everyone will surely colour up quickly in the autumn and after the huge carousels there should probably only be a decorative adjustment to the squad.

However, the Blues management has grossly failed, at least in the last year, in showing all other clubs how it is definitely not to be done. Now the question is how quickly it will get over it…