Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea won’t qualify for Europe if they repeat their Arsenal performance
After Arsenal FC’s resounding 5-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates, Mauricio Pochettino delivered a clear message to his squad, emphasizing that they wouldn’t qualify for a European spot if they continued to perform as they did against the Gunners.
The Blues were dismantled by Arsenal, who began their goal-scoring spree with a strike from Leonardo Trossard in just the fifth minute of the game. Despite having opportunities to level the score, Chelsea faltered, with Nicolas Jackson missing a clear header, as has unfortunately become a pattern.
The Gunners continued to dominate in the second half, with Ben White adding a second goal, while Kai Havertz netted a brace. Another goal from White effectively put the match to bed as Chelsea appeared bewildered, allowing Arsenal to assert their dominance and keep their title hopes alive.
The Argentine manager didn’t mince words with his players, issuing a stern warning that if they continued to perform as they did against Arsenal, they wouldn’t qualify for European competition next season. This direct response underscored the gravity of their poor performance and the urgent need for improvement if they were to salvage their European ambitions.
. Speaking to the media after the game, he said via Fabrizio Romano:
“If we want to be in a different position next season, we need to take decisions. Europe? It’s difficult to see the future now, and we feel disappointed. If we compete like Saturday vs. City, it’s ok; if we complete like today, we don’t deserve to go to Europe.”.
Watching Chelsea’s recent match against Manchester City highlights the significant progress the team has made under Pochettino, as they put in a commendable performance against a formidable opponent. However, the disappointing display against Arsenal raises doubts about their ability to compete against elite teams consistently. This inconsistency in performance underscores the challenge Chelsea faces in maintaining their competitiveness at the highest level.
Consistency is key in top-level football, and gaining experience can certainly help the players perform at their best week in and week out. Additionally, adaptability and flexibility in tactics are crucial for a manager, especially when faced with challenges or unfavorable results.
More Chelsea news
- Fabrizio Romano says Newcastle United are undecided on Chelsea target Bruno Guimaraes’s future
- Chelsea stand 16th in most tackles made in Premier League this season
- Fabrizio Romano confirms Thiago Silva has decided to leave Chelsea after end of season
Perhaps Pochettino could benefit from being more proactive in adjusting his strategy when needed to maximize the team’s potential and adapt to different oppositions.