Mauricio Pochettino has shed light on his dialogue with midfielder Moises Caicedo. It was about the player’s progress since his high-profile move to the club. The 22-year-old Ecuadorian has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations after a $115 million transfer. As Chelsea gears up for a match against Brighton, Pochettino offered insights into his recent interaction with the promising midfielder.
Heart-to-Heart with Caicedo
Mauricio Pochettino, in a discussion with the Evening Standard and other media, disclosed a recent heart-to-heart with Moises Caicedo. Just before a pre-match press conference, Caicedo had a 20-minute meeting with Pochettino in his office.
Pochettino detailed,
“He came to my office for a 20-minute talk right before this press event. Speaking Spanish makes it easier. It’s a subconscious adjustment, and that’s a hurdle — it takes time to adapt.”
However, the language barrier is seemingly impacting Caicedo’s adjustment to Chelsea’s style and expectations.
Pochettino also highlighted the significance of both physical and mental readiness in a player’s performance. He remarked,
“Without a pre-season, it’s tougher. Football isn’t just physical; it’s mental and about talent. To truly show your talent, your mind must be clear, and your body ready.”
Selection Headache for Pochettino
Pochettino faces a selection conundrum for the Brighton match, with Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Marc Cucurella out. Deciding whether to start Caicedo at right-back or choose Axel Disasi is crucial. Caicedo has prior experience in this role from his Brighton days. However, Disasi played right-back in Chelsea’s recent 2-0 loss to Brentford.
This situation, with neither player a natural right-back, poses a challenge for Pochettino. Moreover, playing Caicedo out of position might hinder his return to form. Reece James’s suspension following a red card against Newcastle United exacerbates this issue. As Chelsea faces Brighton, Pochettino’s lineup decisions, particularly regarding Caicedo and Disasi’s roles, are crucial. Chelsea fans are hopeful for a positive result in this upcoming game.
The frank exchange between Mauricio Pochettino and Moises Caicedo highlights the midfielder’s hurdles at Chelsea. Moreover, issues like the language barrier and missing pre-season have impacted his adaptation. Additionally, Pochettino’s lineup dilemma for the Brighton game, especially given key absences, complicates Chelsea’s game plan.
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