Pochettino concedes Chelsea starlets Fernandez, Caicedo must Improve

Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has said midfield signings, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, need to improve their performances amid the club’s poor start to the 2023/2024 English Premier League season.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Everton, Pochettino acknowledged the big-money January acquisitions have struggled to adapt to the demands of the EPL, but said their development is a “process” that requires time. With Chelsea languishing in 10th place after midweek’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United, Pochettino conceded the relationship and understanding between Fernandez and Caicedo “needs to improve”.

Pochettino cited the 22-year-olds’ lack of experience, noting Fernandez has only played in Europe for three months, while Caicedo had just one full season at Brighton and Hove Albion. “They are not the cherry on the cake. When you arrive in a team that is in a building process and you’re young with not too much experience…it’s going to be a process,” Pochettino remarked.

The Chelsea boss also previewed the clash with an Everton side buoyed by their 3-0 win over Newcastle, identifying set pieces as a key area the Blues must contain. Pochettino wants his players to be “aggressive” yet “clever” in limiting the scoring chances for Everton from dead ball situations.

Additionally, with Chelsea’s form fluctuating in recent months, Pochettino spoke of the difficulties in keeping players motivated and focused during periods of transition. “When you have ups and downs it is really difficult to keep your balance,” he noted.