Mauricio Pochettino's Full Press Conference against Brentford.

 Mauricio Pochettino's Full Pre-Brentford Press Conference

Introduction:

In a pre-match press conference, Chelsea head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, addressed several crucial topics ahead of their upcoming fixture against Brentford. Pochettino's insights ranged from the team's current status to his personal feelings about a Christmas Eve match and the dynamics of penalty-taking. Here, we dive into the details of his statements and provide context for each of his remarks.

Armando Broja's Unavailability:

Pochettino began the conference by confirming that Armando Broja would not be available for the upcoming game. Although he did not elaborate on the nature of Broja's unavailability, it signifies a potential setback for the team's attacking options. Broja had been a key player in Chelsea's recent matches, and his absence is sure to be felt on the field.

Mauricio Pochettino: "No, [Armando Broja] is not going to be available."

Christopher Nkunku's Recovery:

The head coach then shifted the focus to Christopher Nkunku, offering an encouraging update. Pochettino noted that Nkunku's recovery was progressing well and that he was close to returning to action. Nkunku's return is eagerly anticipated, as he brings goals and creativity to the midfield, which Chelsea has been missing in recent games.

Mauricio Pochettino on Christopher Nkunku: "He is doing really, really well. He is really close [to returning]."

Importance of Maintaining Momentum:

Pochettino emphasized the importance of preserving the team's current momentum. Chelsea has been on a positive run, and the head coach recognized the significance of capitalizing on this momentum to secure favorable results in upcoming fixtures. Consistency and maintaining a winning mentality were key themes in his address.

Mauricio Pochettino: "It's important to keep this momentum. We have another good opportunity tomorrow to keep this momentum."

An Unusual Bottle Incident:

In a lighter moment during the press conference, Pochettino recounted a recent incident involving Cole Palmer, one of the team's young talents. Palmer had inadvertently thrown a bottle in Pochettino's direction, which took the coach by surprise. While Pochettino admitted he was initially angry, he also saw the humor in the situation. It's a reminder that even amidst the pressure of professional football, there's room for lighthearted moments.

Mauricio Pochettino on Cole Palmer throwing bottle at him: "I was so angry [laughs] because I didn't expect or see when it came. When I turned and he was like 'sorry!'. It was a little unlucky. Good thing that it didn't damage me!"

"I was so angry [laughs] because I didn't expect or see when it came. When I turned and he was like 'sorry!'. It was a little unlucky. Good thing that it didn't damage me!"

Team Attitude and Solidarity:

The head coach expressed his satisfaction with the overall attitude of the team. He underscored that without the right attitude, performance would be impossible. Pochettino's praise for the team's collective mindset speaks to the importance of unity and determination within the squad.

Mauricio Pochettino: "Without the right attitude it is impossible to perform. I am so happy with the whole team's attitude." Mauricio Pochettino: "We need to create our run at home. We need to win. We need to start to project the image that we are solid and consistent in front of our fans.

Building a Strong Home Record:

Pochettino acknowledged the need to create a formidable home record. Winning at home and projecting an image of solidity and consistency in front of fans is a fundamental goal for Chelsea. Home matches often set the tone for a successful season, and Pochettino is keen on establishing the Parc des Princes as a fortress.

Facing a Tough Challenge in Brentford:

The head coach recognized the challenge that Brentford poses. He commended the London club for its recent form and underlined the readiness of his team to confront a strong opponent. The upcoming match against Brentford is seen as an exciting challenge for Chelsea to test their mettle.

Mauricio Pochettino on Brentford: "It's going to be tough because they are a good team and doing well. We are ready to face a very good team. It's a nice challenge for us."

Reece James' Progress:

Pochettino provided an update on Reece James, stating that he is not yet ready to start but is making positive strides in his recovery. The expectation is that James will be available on the bench for the upcoming match.

Mauricio Pochettino on Reece James: "No, still not ready to start. He is doing well. He is really close. At the moment, tomorrow he will be on the bench."

Continuous Improvement and Ambitions:

Pochettino spoke about the ongoing process of improvement within the team. He recognized that they had faced certain challenges early in the season but remained focused on building a strong, competitive team. While he expressed satisfaction with the team's evolution, he was clear that they are still far from their ultimate goals.

Mauricio Pochettino: "We still need to improve. We need to recover all our players. The circumstances at the beginning didn't help. We are building a very strong team. The mentality is there. We are happy in the way that we've evolved, but still far away from what we expect."

Christopher Nkunku's Potential Involvement:

The head coach hinted that Christopher Nkunku might be involved after the international break. Nkunku's potential return is eagerly awaited, as he has the ability to add goals and creativity to Chelsea's midfield, which is seen as a current area of need.

Mauricio Pochettino on Christopher Nkunku: "Maybe after the international he will be involved. Maybe, maybe, not sure."

Mauricio Pochettino on Christopher Nkunku: "He was the player when you see the goals from last season, it's a player that can provide goals and I think we are missing goals. We think he's a player that can be important for us because he proved he can score. We cannot complain. We need to work. Things can happen. We are looking forward to recover him and see him help us score more goals."

The Christmas Eve Fixture:

Pochettino shared his personal reservations about the Christmas Eve fixture against Wolves. He noted that it coincides with his anniversary with his wife, and for Argentinian people, the 24th of December is a significant night. Despite his personal concerns, Pochettino acknowledged the need to adapt and perform at his best, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Mauricio Pochettino on Christmas Eve fixture vs Wolves: "Me either [not happy]. 23rd is my anniversary with my wife and I need to travel to Wolves. I'm not going to spend the night in my house. 24th for Argentinian people is a really important night. I hope to arrive in time."

 "It's not easy [to change the game]. We need to accept. I need to adapt myself. Even if I'm not happy, I need to do my best to be at my best level."

The Challenge of the Premier League:

Pochettino downplayed the importance of the fixture list, highlighting that every Premier League game is tough, regardless of the opponent or the team's recent form. He emphasized the need to take each game as it comes and focus on the task at hand.

Mauricio Pochettino: "Premier League is always tough [regardless of run awaiting Chelsea], every game is difficult. You can see the games we played. For me, the fixture is not important. We need to go day by day and game by game."

Dynamic Nature of Penalty-Taking:

In discussing penalty-taking duties, Pochettino revealed that it's not the sole responsibility of one player. Instead, the coaching staff provides players with the flexibility to decide who takes penalties based on their feeling at the moment. Currently, Cole Palmer has been the designated penalty-taker, but this responsibility could shift to others if he is not on the pitch.

Mauricio Pochettino: "It's a few players that can take penalties. It's about the feeling. The coaching staff give the possibility for them to decide on the pitch. It's not only one player. Cole, at the moment, was ready for the two penalties." Mauricio Pochettino: "Normally, I suppose it will be [Cole Palmer vs Brentford to take a penalty] if he's on the pitch. But it could be Raheem or Nico if he's not on the pitch."

Offensive Reinforcements:

Pochettino acknowledged that football is a dynamic sport, and the team's perspective can change rapidly. He mentioned that they are working closely with the sporting directors to be prepared to add offensive players if needed.

In conclusion, Mauricio Pochettino's pre-Brentford press conference covered a wide range of topics, from the team's injury updates to his personal feelings about a Christmas Eve match and the team's approach to penalty-taking. The conference offered insight into Chelsea's current status and their aspirations for the season.

Mauricio Pochettino: "Football is really dynamic. Today maybe we are thinking in a different way than two weeks ago. We are ready, working with the sporting directors to be ready, to see if the team needs to add players offensively."