Pochettino pleased with new-look Chelsea
KARACHI: Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said he was disappointed to score a point in their opener after his side were held 1-1 by Liverpool on Sunday. The visitors settled into the new season quicker at Stamford Bridge and could have been out of sight within the first 30 minutes.
Mohamed Salah hit the crossbar before launching Luis Diaz to open the scoring. Salah disallowed the second goal after a VAR check for offside. But the momentum returned to Chelsea after debutant Axel Disasi equalized eight minutes before half-time. VAR once again intervened to deprive the Blues of a second as Ben Chilwell scored and the home side wasted a string of chances to claim the three points after the break.
Pochettino took over a side that finished 12th last season – Chelsea’s lowest finish since 1994. And the Argentine believes they will only get better as the season progresses. “A fantastic way to start the season, an amazing game,” said Pochettino, who previously managed Southampton and Tottenham in the Premier League.
“Overall, I think we deserve a bit more. We’re happy and disappointed at the same time.” It’s just the beginning and I’m very happy with the performance of the players.” Chelsea and Liverpool have been battling to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for a Premier League record fee in recent days.
Liverpool had a £110m ($140m) offer for the Ecuadorian, which was accepted by the Seagulls, but the player appears to be sticking with Chelsea and Brighton to agree a fee. “If we want to be competitive, we have to improve in all areas,” Pochettino added. “Now is the time to work together with the end of the transfer window to find the best dynamic. This result gives us confidence, which is why I am positive.”
Published in EDP BLOGS o August 15,2023.
