“We create a lot, but…” – Mauricio Pochettino’s Soccer Aid admission sends warning to Chelsea attackers

The next time Mauricio Pochettino will be in the dugout will be when he officially takes over at Chelsea, but his warnings to his new squad have already begun.

Pochettino was in charge of the World XI at Old Trafford on Sunday night for Soccer Aid 2023 and his side came out 4-2 winners to win the charity match for Unicef for the fifth consecutive time.

After taking the lead, the England XI turned the game around and at 2-1 up, Pochettino rued his side’s missed opportunities which saw them fall behind in Manchester.

The 51-year-old was quizzed in-game on the touchline as he reflected on the game, telling Alex Scott: “England increased the tempo, for us it was difficult. We create a lot of chances, but only one we can score.”

World XI brought on Robbie Keane and went onto win the game, scoring three to clinch a two-goal winning margin to retain their trophy.

Pochettino will officially take over at Chelsea from July 1 after signing an initial two-year contract at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

He will be hoping he won’t be being left frustrated next season with Chelsea in front of goal, which will therefore need a change of fortunes in front of goal following a dismal 2022/23 season.

Chelsea only managed to score 38 goals from their Premier League games, missing countless opportunities every week, something Pochettino will clearly look to stamp out upon his arrival at Cobham for pre-season.

The Blues are undergoing a squad overhaul this summer and the attack is set for a huge revamp. Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku all face uncertain futures, while Kai Havertz is the subject of interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Chelsea will welcome Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig, with Wesley Fofana looking forward to his arrival in west London.

“I hope he comes and plays for us,” said the Chelsea defender. “He would be a very good signing.”