“There are two sides”- Mauricio Pochettino sheds light on Chelsea duo’s failed summer deadline day exits

Mauricio Pochettino explains why Chelsea accepted deadline day offers for Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah

According to the Evening Express, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has shed light on why the club accepted deadline-day deals for Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah in the recently concluded summer transfer window.

It was another busy window for the Blues who brought in a myriad of players while also letting several familiar names go. Moises Caicedo was the standout purchase for a British transfer record but was by no means our only major recruit.

Chelsea also showed ruthlessness in selling several players, many of them who played a role in our UEFA Champions League success in 2021. In many ways, it shows the ruthlessness with which Todd Boehly and co are eager to bring success.

Two players who appeared set to leave on deadline day were Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah. The former appeared to be on his way to Burnley while the latter was on the radar of both Bayern Munich, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.

Burnley’s loan offer with £31.5million obligation to buy offer for Maatsen was accepted, while Chelsea were ready to approve a £25m plus £5m in add-ons offer from Nottingham Forest for Chalobah. However, neither player were on board and opted to stay put and fight for their spot at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the issue, Pochettino has now revealed that every situation has two different sides. In many ways, he went on to give a very confusing tirade that made little sense regarding our actions.

“What I can tell you is that there is there are two sides [to the situation]. If an offer appears, it is because another part of the club accepted that they move or they were trying to find a solution for a player that wanted to leave.”

However, Pochettino ended the reply on a positive note stating that the players now at the club will be given opportunities should they prove their worth. It could indicate that both Maatsen and Chalobah will now get game time but only as long as they outdo their peers in training.

“The players that are here if they deserve will have the opportunities to play, but they need to be better than the others in their position.”

More Chelsea News

• Mauricio Pochettino provides vague update on Romeo Lavia ahead of Chelsea’s next game
• Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino provides update on Reece James’ injury
• Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino praises young star Nicolas Jackson

Pochettino’s reply was a valiant attempt to defend the club’s stance on deadline day to sell two of their Cobham graduates. But for better or worse, they are now still at Stamford Bridge. The onus now is on Pochettino to get the best out of them on the field.