Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Chelsea is uncertain, with former Chelsea player and assistant manager Boudewijn Zenden expressing his concerns. Zenden, who was associated with Chelsea from 2001 to 2004, acknowledges the challenges Pochettino faces and suggests that Chelsea’s history of swift managerial changes could impact the Argentine coach.
According to Zenden, while he has a positive view of Pochettino, Chelsea has a reputation for dismissing underperforming managers. Zenden’s personal experience with Pochettino during his time at Chelsea gives him insight into the difficulties the coach may encounter.
Zenden also points out that Chelsea has seen prominent coaches come and go, emphasizing the demanding nature of the club. Despite the uncertainty, he believes that Pochettino’s tenure at Chelsea may not be at immediate risk due to the club’s recent changes in ownership and the composition of the team. He acknowledges that rebuilding a club and establishing a cohesive playing style can take time.
The significant financial investments made by Chelsea in the transfer market over the last four transfer windows are noted by Zenden. This expenditure raises expectations, and if the team’s performance doesn’t align with the investment, it can be frustrating for both the management and the fans. However, Zenden believes that the new owners, Boehly and Eghbali, are unlikely to make a hasty decision regarding Pochettino’s future and suggests that their faith in him may spare him from a swift dismissal.
Despite the financial resources at Chelsea’s disposal, Zenden points out that the club hasn’t displayed the dominance one might expect. Injuries to key players have also contributed to the team’s challenges. Zenden expresses concerns about the demanding schedule ahead.