Even if we are in transition, we need to win: Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Liverpool clash

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is clear that the club has no room for excuses as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday. Despite being in the throes of an extensive revamp, Pochettino insists Chelsea must perform to their utmost, as the team’s ethos rests on winning.

Having concluded the 2022-23 season in a dismal 12th place, the club entrusted Pochettino with the reins at the end of May, marking their worst league position since 1994. The new manager began the task of decluttering a bloated team and has successfully moved on over 15 players, including noteworthy names like former captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Kalidou Koulibaly, and bought in six new players.

Pochettino, drawing a parallel between Chelsea and Liverpool, said, “We are more in transition than Liverpool because I am new here. Klopp has been at Liverpool for seven years. Still, we need to win against Liverpool, as the club’s history centres on victory.”

Adding an element of intrigue to Sunday’s match is the ongoing wrangling between the teams over the transfer of Moises Caicedo. While Chelsea have been enmeshed in drawn-out talks with Brighton & Hove Albion attempting to ink a deal for the Ecuadorean midfielder, British media reported on Friday that Liverpool had sealed a deal for a whopping 111 million pounds (USD 141 million).

Pochettino refrained from commenting on the transfer furore and insisted on focusing on adding quality players to the team. Moreover, Pochettino expressed concern over a knee injury suffered by striker Christopher Nkunku during a pre-season friendly, requiring surgery and leading to absence on the field.

The Chelsea manager added that they are on the lookout for a temporary replacement, but are keen to find a long-term solution that fits the team’s requirements.