Mauricio Pochettino sends Chelsea squad transfer message as success plan outlined

New Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has laid out his expectations for his new squad in a forewarning statement.

Pochettino has officially taken the reigns at Stamford Bridge and has started to work with the first group of Chelsea players after pre-season training commenced on Tuesday.

Chelsea welcomed their new boss to Cobham on Monday, and speaking to the club’s in-house media team, the Argentine was quick to establish some ground rules with his new team.

“We are excited to work with a very young team, with a different approach than in the past. But I think we all need to understand that we have to work really hard and create a very good atmosphere at the training ground to build success for the team in the next few years.”

Famed for his principled and unwavering approach, with high-intensity and aggressive pressing being the key characteristics within his philosophy, Pochettino will have to identify which individuals suit his style and which ones do not.

And with departures appearing to be the club’s priority this summer, the former Tottenham and PSG boss has warned that more players could be heading for the exit door in SW6.

“It is exciting for us because we love good players, players with the capacity and then talent, but also we want people who want to be with us at this club and be really open to help the club achieve what we want.”

Chelsea have already said goodbye to Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, with many more expected to depart.

Reiterating his point, Pochettino called for unity and togetherness, something which was missing at Chelsea last season.

He added: “If we are all together, we are going to be very strong. We have an unbelievable squad and for sure are going to bring players with commitment who want to be part of it also. With the fans and everyone, we can find again the way to be successful.”

Pochettino arrives at Stamford Bridge with a monumental task ahead of him. Having limped to a substandard 12th placed Premier League finish last season, the remit for the new head coach will be one of progression and development.

And with an already lopsided squad lying before him, in-goings and out-goings will be a vital factor in determining Chelsea, and Pochettino’s, success together next season and beyond.