Mauricio Pochettino has provided some insights into the number of new players he might look to bring into Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
The Blues concluded their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, which was marked by goals from Moises Caicedo and Raheem Sterling.
This win allowed Chelsea to secure a sixth-place finish in the league standings, positioning them ahead of both Newcastle and Manchester United.
Looking ahead to the next season, Chelsea is set to participate in European competitions, though their exact placement will hinge on the outcome of the FA Cup final.
Should Manchester City emerge victorious in the final, Chelsea will qualify for the Europa League.
Conversely, a win by Manchester United would see them take Chelsea’s place, relegating the Blues to the Europa Conference League instead.
Following the match against Bournemouth, Pochettino faced questions regarding potential changes to the squad over the summer.
He indicated a desire to keep a large portion of the current squad intact, suggesting that he aims to retain “80-85%” of the team.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Pochettino stated on Sunday.
“Next season, the team will be better because they’ll have gained valuable experience.
The key is to maintain stability and not make too many changes.”
Pochettino emphasized the importance of stability and continuity, noting that retaining the majority of the squad would be beneficial for the team’s progress.
He explained that maintaining 80-85% of the current players would represent a significant step forward for the club.
According to Pochettino, continuity in ideas and familiarity among the players are crucial components for Chelsea’s development.
He elaborated, “Keeping 80-85% of the squad next season is a significant step forward.
Continuity in ideas and familiarity among the players is crucial for the club.”
When questioned about the potential for additional transfers, Pochettino remained non-committal.
He pointed out that such decisions ultimately rest with the club. “That is a decision for the club,” he remarked. “We will support whatever decision is made and continue to do our job.”
This statement suggests that while Pochettino has a clear vision for the team’s stability and continuity, he also recognizes the club’s role in making transfer decisions.
His remarks indicate a collaborative approach, where the management’s strategic decisions are respected and supported by the coaching staff.
Chelsea’s performance in the recently concluded season has been a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance coupled with inconsistencies.
The victory against Bournemouth, fueled by goals from Caicedo and Sterling, showcased the potential within the squad.
However, Pochettino’s comments highlight an understanding that achieving success in the highly competitive Premier League and European competitions requires not just talent, but also stability and experience.
As Chelsea prepares for another season, their involvement in European competitions—whether in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League—adds another layer of complexity to their planning.
The outcome of the FA Cup final will be crucial in determining their exact path.
Regardless of the competition, maintaining a stable core squad appears to be a priority for Pochettino as he looks to build on the current foundation.
