Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Chelsea, has expressed his satisfaction with the current squad even if the club fails to secure any further signings before the transfer deadline on Friday. Despite spending over £320 million ($400m) on 10 players, Chelsea continues to eye additional signings, with the names of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal and Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest being considered. While outgoing transfers are also expected, such as Romelu Lukaku joining Roma on loan, Pochettino remains content with the current state of the squad.
Contentment, But Open to Additions
Pochettino stated, “I am really happy with the squad that we have got at the moment, so far.” However, he did mention that if someone could improve different positions, their addition would be welcome. Nevertheless, he emphasized his satisfaction with the current squad by stating, “If not, I am happy to be how we are now.” Pochettino’s focus lies in the recovery of players and preparing for the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Wimbledon, rather than solely fixating on the transfer window activity.
Although Pochettino acknowledges that the club is actively working to complete their transfer business, he refrained from making any concrete statements about potential signings or departures. He mentioned, “Something might happen. Maybe, yes. At the moment, the club are trying to deliver what we want. There is still nothing to communicate at the moment.” Pochettino also addressed rumors surrounding Marc Cucurella’s potential move to Manchester United, stating that the defender is available to play against Wimbledon, and the club has not provided any information regarding his situation.
Pochettino expressed his belief that the transfer window should be shortened in the future. While acknowledging the benefit it has brought to Chelsea, given the significant squad turnover, he deemed the current duration as too long. He stated, “Already, we are crazy. With a few days more, we become crazier also. It is too long, the transfer window.” Pochettino recognized the advantage it has provided Chelsea due to their current circumstances but highlighted the difficulties faced by other clubs that operate differently. However, he concluded by stating that having more time is always beneficial, at least for now.
Pochettino confirmed that Armando Broja and Benoit Badiashile will be unavailable to play until after the international break due to knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk will be assessed on a day-by-day basis as he recovers from a minor muscular problem.
Overall, Pochettino’s contentment with the current state of Chelsea’s squad despite the continuing transfer window highlights the limitations and challenges faced by the club. While they have made significant investments in new players, additional signings may still be necessary to strengthen the team in specific positions. The uncertainty surrounding potential deals and the need for a shorter transfer window further add to the complexity of managing a competitive squad. However, Pochettino remains focused on the upcoming matches and believes that time will play a crucial role in shaping the club’s future.
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