Pochettino opts to use under-fire Chelsea star to enforce tactical evolution

Mauricio Pochettino talks about the development of Chelsea star Marc Cucurella

After suffering a turbulent start to the campaign personally, Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has made a strong come-back and has been mighty impressive these past few weeks, including the London derbies against Tottenham and West Ham United.

What made this sudden positive change in form possible for the 25-year-old left-back is the fact that boss Mauricio Pochettino took the decision to invert the former Brighton man, causing an overload in the middle of the park, which was especially effective against Spurs recently. Speaking on Cucurella‘s development, here is what Pochettino had to say via Football London:

“This role we can implement in the future but before that it is because you need to build the belief, the confidence, the trust, the team needs to compete. The tactical evolution that we, the coaching staff, have in our heads – yes, we will apply in the future but the most important thing, you cannot sit if you don’t have a chair. You need to build the chair.”

However, Poch is quick to acknowledge that individual success remains intertwined with collective effort, especially in a team sport like football. While Cucurella’s resurgence is undoubtedly impressive, Pochettino emphasises the importance of a cohesive team dynamic and the contributions of every player towards the team’s success.

Way to go!

In a season marked by its fair share of challenges and uncertainties, Pochettino’s holistic approach to team development underscores his commitment to fostering a united and resilient squad. That is why it is so important to trust a manager of this kind with as much time and patience as possible.

Indeed, Chelsea’s journey this season has been characterised by highs and lows, making it imperative for players to rise to the occasion and demonstrate their capabilities in every match. Cucurella’s newfound confidence and effectiveness exemplify the resilience and determination required to navigate PL football. The team’s success is contingent upon the collective efforts of every player, and Cucurella’s contributions serve as a source of inspiration for his teammates.

While the current season may be drawing to a close, Pochettino remains focused on laying the foundations for future success irrespective of whether he stays at the club beyond the current term or not. While immediate results are important, Pochettino prioritises the broader goal of sustained improvement and success over time. His measured approach underscores the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving long-term objectives, values that resonate with Chelsea’s ethos as a club. However, the owners need to back him in the long term as well.

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As Cucurella continues to thrive at Chelsea, the prospect of further success beckons for both player and club alike.