Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino full of praise for vice-captain Ben Chilwell after Middlesbrough win
Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, showered praise on Ben Chilwell for his stellar performance in the 6-1 Carabao Cup Semi-Final second-leg triumph against Middlesbrough. Chilwell, who recently made a comeback after a four-month injury layoff, played a pivotal role in the victory.
Pochettino acknowledged the significance of Chilwell’s return, emphasizing the contributions of Levi Colwill and Malu Gusto in his absence. Despite the notable performances from the replacements, Pochettino stressed the need for consistency and highlighted Chilwell’s role as a key player in the squad.
The Argentine manager expressed his satisfaction with Chilwell’s 65-minute display against Middlesbrough, showcasing top-class performance. Pochettino recognized the vice-captain’s gradual return to full match fitness and outlined the objective of extending Chilwell’s playing time to the full 90 minutes. He also underscored the importance of supporting Chilwell as he aims to regain match rhythm and play regularly, especially considering the demanding schedule with matches every three or four days.
Here is what Poch had to say about Chilly via football.london after the win against Brough:
“Chilly was out for four months. We were using Colwill and Gusto. At right-back we can’t use Reece James or Malo Gusto. And we are using Axel. It’s always circumstances. But we don’t complain.”
“They were important but we need to be consistent. A player like Chilly; 65 minutes, but the objective is for 90 minutes and then be consistent and play every three or four days. We need to help a player like him.”
Top game from Chilly!
Chilwell’s return to the starting lineup showcased not only his resilience but also his undeniable impact on the pitch. Pochettino, in his measured analysis, lauded the top-class performance delivered by Chilwell against Middlesbrough, emphasising the player’s quality and influence in pivotal moments. The Argentine tactician’s comments subtly indicated his reliance on Chilwell’s experience and skillset, underlining the vice-captain’s importance as a key contributor to the team’s success.
As Chelsea navigate a challenging and congested fixture list, including both domestic and cup competitions, having Chilwell back at full fitness is a strategic boon for Pochettino.
The manager’s approach to gradually reintegrating Chilwell aligns with the club’s broader ambitions, balancing the need for immediate impact with a long-term vision. The vice-captain’s role becomes crucial not only in individual matches but also in providing stability and leadership throughout the rest of the campaign.
As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, the Blues might have to look to reinforce the side to tackle the frequent injury issues the Chelsea have been subject to at various points throughout the campaign.
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In the grander scheme of Chelsea’s aspirations, Pochettino’s remarks about Chilwell go beyond the tactical nuances of a single game. They underscore a thoughtful strategy to manage player fitness, maximize squad depth, and ensure peak performance during crucial stages of the season. Chilwell’s journey back to full fitness and form comes just at the right time for Chelsea, and here’s hoping that it reaps benefits sooner rather than later.