In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole shares his enthusiasm for the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new Chelsea manager. Cole believes Pochettino’s dynamic coaching style and expertise will bring much-needed stability to the club following a turbulent start to Todd Boehly’s ownership.
Pochettino returns to the Premier League after four years, having previously managed Tottenham Hotspur. Now, at the helm of Stamford Bridge, he embarks on a two-year deal, with the option for a third. He becomes Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in just five years, stepping in after Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter’s recent sackings. Frank Lampard had briefly taken charge as interim head coach before Pochettino’s arrival.
Under Boehly’s ownership, Chelsea has witnessed significant managerial changes, making Pochettino the fourth boss in the last year since Boehly’s takeover in July. With the 2022/23 season proving challenging for the Blues, finishing 12th in the league, Joe Cole sees Pochettino as the ideal candidate to bring stability back to the club.
“It’s a smart appointment,” Cole affirms, emphasizing the need to give Pochettino the space and support to execute his vision. The incoming manager’s primary focus should be shaping the squad by bringing in players that align with his coaching philosophy and team goals.
Chelsea’s squad is undergoing a summer overhaul, with 13 players leaving in the past two months, including notable departures like Kai Havertz, captain Cesar Azpilicueta, and Mason Mount. Speaking about Mount’s exit, Cole highlights the immense impact the young playmaker had both on and off the pitch. Mount, a product of the Chelsea academy, displayed exceptional leadership qualities, leaving behind a significant void in the dressing room.
While Mount’s departure leaves a big hole, Cole acknowledges that the dynamics of football clubs often involve comings and goings. He stresses the need for someone to step up and fill the void left by Mount’s absence. The Portsmouth-born talent scored 33 goals in 195 appearances for Chelsea, winning the Champions League with the club in 2021. Unfortunately, negotiations for a contract extension didn’t materialize, leading to his departure to Manchester United.
Regarding the contract situation, Cole admits that only Chelsea, Mason Mount, and his team know the full story. Despite the circumstances, Chelsea fans must now look ahead to the future under Pochettino’s guidance. The new season kicks off with a challenging fixture against Liverpool on August 13, followed by a London derby against West Ham a week later.
Joe Cole remains optimistic about Pochettino’s coaching prowess and the benefits it will bring to Chelsea. Despite Pochettino’s previous stint with Tottenham, Cole emphasizes that the Argentine coach’s qualities and accomplishments will far outweigh any rivalries. The manager’s focus on developing young players aligns with Chelsea’s tradition of nurturing homegrown talent, bringing excitement for the future of the club.
“He ticks a lot of boxes: he likes working with young players, and his teams are dynamic and energetic,” Cole says, highlighting Pochettino’s coaching attributes that hold promise for a brighter chapter in Chelsea’s history.
In conclusion, as Mauricio Pochettino takes charge of Chelsea, the club and its fans are hopeful for a renewed sense of stability and success. The departure of Mason Mount may have left a void, but Pochettino’s coaching philosophy and commitment to youth development pave the way for a promising future at Stamford Bridge. With anticipation building for the upcoming Premier League season, all eyes will be on Pochettino as he leads the Blues into a new era.
