Mauricio Pochettino is confident he can add to his Chelsea squad in January without having to sell players first.
The west London club had a net spend of approximately £450million in 2023 as they invested heavily in a youthful playing staff under new owner Todd Boehly. That outlay has yet to reap its rewards on the field with Chelsea 10th in the Premier League having lost eight of their opening 20 games.
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The squad still appears imbalanced with the main issue being with a lack of cutting edge that will be exacerbated in January with the loss of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson to the African Cup of Nations.
Despite potential FFP issues, Chelsea can buy should they need to, according to Pochettino.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s EFL Cup semi-final, first leg at Middlesbrough, he said: “There are too many rumours about things going around the clubs. It is not what they translate to me. It is not necessary to sell if we want to buy some players.”
Asked if it was essential for Chelsea to bring in another striker in the window, he added: “No, no, no. We are assessing the squad like always. We had a conversation with the owners and sporting directors yesterday and today. We are looking like other teams for options or opportunities.
“But I am so happy because we have [Armando] Broja, we have different players that can play in the striker position and we need our second line offensive players to help the team score goals. I am very positive and happy with the squad. Of course, if something appears, we will announce it. At the moment we are assessing and working normally.”
???????? An update on Nkunku and Badiashile ahead of our #CarabaoCup semi-final.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 8, 2024
Chelsea also faced Championship opposition on Saturday in the FA Cup, easing past Preston 4-0 despite a goalless opening 45 minutes. Middlesbrough went out 1-0 to Aston Villa but played well against the Premier League high-fliers.
“I was disappointed, the players were disappointed at half-time [against Preston],” said Pochettino.
“Today, we reviewed what we need to improve but [there’s] not much time to work as our priority was to 100 per cent recover our physical condition so we are fresh.
“Watching the game [of Middlesbrough] against Aston Villa, they lost, but could have won the game. A good team with good ideas. Of course, it’s true they changed the system, after playing the whole season 4231, now they use a different one. We already know they can use this system. They have good players, a good coach and it will be tough with atmosphere and no VAR.”
Chelsea will head to Teesside without winger Christopher Nkunku who has a minor hip injury.
