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Mauricio Pochettino faced additional challenges as Chelsea suffered a defeat against Everton, with injuries to Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurrella adding to the setbacks. Pochettino expressed concern over the ailments and hoped they were not serious, emphasizing the strain on his young squad. Djordje Petrovic and Ian Maatsen substituted Sanchez and Cucurrella late in the game, complicating Pochettino’s tactical plans.
Sanchez, Chelsea’s primary goalkeeper this season, experienced a knee injury during the match, prompting a late substitution. Pochettino expressed optimism that it wasn’t a major problem but acknowledged the ongoing challenges for his developing squad. Reece James, a crucial player, left the game early with a hamstring pull, adding to Pochettino’s worries.
Despite dominating possession and having numerous attempts on goal, Chelsea failed to secure points. Pochettino pointed out the team’s lack of aggression and optimism in the final third as a contributing factor. He recognized the positive aspects of their performance but stressed the importance of scoring to win games and climb in the standings.
Pochettino analyzed the game, acknowledging Chelsea’s superiority but emphasizing the need for goals to build confidence and secure victories. The manager highlighted the difficulty of maintaining a flawless performance for 97 minutes without scoring. The setback against Everton prompted Pochettino to reevaluate and address the team’s shortcomings, especially in the attacking phase.