April 29th 2024.
Former Manchester United and England player Gary Neville has shared his thoughts on the current situation at Chelsea, specifically regarding manager Mauricio Pochettino and the team's progress. Despite criticism, Neville believes that Pochettino should be given more time at the club and that the addition of three new players will be crucial for their success in the upcoming season.
Pochettino has faced backlash for his first season at Chelsea, with the team currently sitting in ninth place in the Premier League, a significant 19 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Additionally, young striker Nicolas Jackson has also received criticism for his performances, particularly for missing clear-cut chances in the recent FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
However, Neville has come to Jackson's defense, stating that he has shown promise in his debut season and that the team needs to focus on signing a new striker, goalkeeper, and central defender to replace the departing Thiago Silva. Speaking on Sky Sports' The Gary Neville Podcast, he said, "I actually like Nicolas Jackson, which might be an unpopular opinion, but I think he has a lot to offer. He's young and has scored quite a few goals this season. There's a lot to be said for that."
Neville also praised Chelsea's performance in the FA Cup semi-final, stating that they put on a great show despite the loss. He believes that with a more consistent finisher up front, the team could have easily won the game. He also emphasized the need for experienced signings instead of long-term contracts for young players, as the latter can often affect their mindset.
In Neville's opinion, the addition of three key players in the upcoming transfer window would be crucial for Pochettino and the team's progress. He mentioned that Pochettino has a track record of developing young players, and with the right signings, the team could reach new heights. He also believes that Pochettino should be given more time to complete the jigsaw and that it is too early to judge his performance at the club.
When asked about Pochettino's future at Chelsea, Neville replied, "Definitely, I think he's absolutely the right man to work with young players. We've seen what he did at Southampton and Tottenham, bringing players through and developing them. I wouldn't mess with Mauricio Pochettino at all, he deserves another transfer window to complete the team."
In conclusion, Neville believes that with the right signings and a bit more time, Pochettino can lead Chelsea to success. He also added that the team's performance levels have shown promise and that with a few key additions, they could reach their full potential.
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