Coach Pochettino denies Chelsea played badly

After losing 0-1 to Nottingham Forest in round 4 of the Premier League, coach Mauricio Pochettino said that Chelsea is in the process of rebuilding and will gradually mature.

"These types of games will help us grow and understand the league better," Pochettino said after the defeat at Stamford Bridge on September 2. "We are in a rebuilding process and it's always up and down. We were unlucky and deserved more than we did against West Ham and this time against Nottingham. But as I said, it's a process and it's just a matter of time before Chelsea play better."

At home, Chelsea had 77% possession, 21 shots with an expected goals (xG) of 2.13 but failed to score. Their best chance came in the 80th minute, when $40 million striker Nicolas Jackson fired over the bar from an open goal after Raheem Sterling's dribble and pass.

In contrast, Nottingham only controlled 23% of the ball, had three shots on target but knew how to take advantage of the opportunity. In the 48th minute, Chelsea's expensive new signing Moises Caicedo lost the ball, creating conditions for the visitors to counterattack. Taiwo Awoniyi passed the ball through defender Thiago Silva for Anthony Elanga to run down and score in the right corner, helping Nottingham win their first victory at Stamford Bridge since January 1995.

Pochettino directs Chelsea players on the sidelines of Stamford Bridge. Photo: AFP — Pochettino directs Chelsea players on the sidelines of Stamford Bridge. Photo: *AFP*

According to Pochettino, Chelsea started well, dominated, did not let Nottingham create many chances but lacked sharpness. "Chelsea did not score, and when you do not score it is difficult to win," the Argentine coach expressed. "We lacked sharpness in both parts of the field. We made mistakes and conceded goals, then created many chances and dominated, but everything was not perfect. I am disappointed but not angry, because in these matches you need a little luck in some situations."

Despite spending $527 million in the summer of 2023 - more than Pochettino spent in his previous five years and 11 transfer windows at Tottenham - Chelsea have had a poor start. They have only won one Premier League game, a 3-0 home win over newcomer Luton Town. The Blues have drawn 1-1 with Liverpool, lost 3-1 at West Ham and then lost to Nottingham.

They are now 11th, four points below Nottingham. However, Pochettino is not worried and wants patience, saying Chelsea need time to build a team that can compete on equal terms with the big clubs. "In the build-up, in a high-intensity attacking situation, you can make hasty decisions and waste opportunities, when you should be more relaxed and calm," Pochettino said. "That can happen and we need to stay calm, work hard to improve and I am sure Chelsea will improve."

The 51-year-old understood the boos from the fans after the final whistle. He insisted Chelsea had not played brilliantly but their performance was not bad, and understood the fans' expectations.

The teams will then take a two-week break to make way for the national teams. Pochettino's team will return on September 17 with a trip to Bournemouth.

Hong Duy

Source link