Alex Goldberg’s podcast today had some interesting discussion about Mauricio Pochettino’s recent press conferences.
After being very passive all season, he’s suddenly turned a lot more fiery and has started turning the focus on those above him for the first time. At the same time, he’s also freely admitting that he’s not spoken to the owners in a long time, and is in the dark about his future.
Why this sudden departure from the company line? Goldberg and his guests suggest perhaps he’s angling to get sacked deliberately, in much the same way that Antonio Conte forced his way out after his second year.
You can see him make this point in the clip embedded here:
Is Poch angling to get sacked? And the manager Chelsea are probably angling for… pic.twitter.com/6g6XcW3o8y
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) May 11, 2024
There’s certainly an element of that, and we definitely see the parallels with Antonio Conte. In that case we couldn’t quite believe it was happening given how well the season before had gone (and even the start of that second campaign) but he too started speaking in increasingly bleak terms and opened up more and more with criticism of those above him.
Is Pochettino going the same way? We’re not sure. It would be harsh to say that he’s trying to get sacked at this stage, but it does seem that he’s becoming less cautious about his future and his comments about the squad construction and ownership.
The idea that it’s a “win-win”, which a source told Goldberg is certainly true. With a few wins under his belt and Europe almost secured, he can start to speak his mind more and defend himself from criticism, knowing that even if he does get sacked, it will be seen as harsh and won’t really affect his chances of getting another big job.
It will be very interesting to monitor his tone in the weeks to come and see if he continues on this trajectory.
As a staunch Chelsea FC supporter, and in my personal capacity, I urge that, Manager Mauricio Pochettino remaims committed and focused. I love the way he struggled with the team from day one to today, with all hurddles that he crossed to get to 6th place from 12th on premier league table is an achievement by its own, and thus deserves to be given enough time to continue, and stay with the Blues.
Pochettino has become liberated. He no longer feels intimidated by the board. Every single solitary manager has a breaking point and this constant speculation about his future, I believe got the better of him, because He is working with a squad that has a myriad of injuries and is disjointed at best.. He is just liberated and has reversed the pressure that was on him and has reverted it to the management..