Chelsea manager expressed concerns over his squad's maturity following a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United in the Premier League. The team, fresh off a 4-3 victory against Manchester United, took the lead through Thiago Silva but were unable to secure the win as Sheffield United fought back with goals from Jayden Bogle and Ollie McBurnie.
This is not the first time Chelsea has dropped points against lower-ranked teams, having previously drawn with Burnley in March. Pochettino attributed the inconsistent performances to the demanding schedule, stating that the team may lack the maturity to compete effectively every three days.
Despite acknowledging the players' fatigue, Pochettino emphasized that tiredness should not be an excuse for failing to secure a victory. He highlighted the importance of readiness and maturity in competitive football, suggesting that the squad needs to develop a mindset that enables them to perform consistently.
Pochettino's decision to substitute top scorer Cole Palmer was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the player and preventing potential injuries. The manager stressed the need to manage the workload of key players to avoid long-term issues.
Looking ahead, Chelsea faces Everton in the league before a crucial FA Cup semifinal clash against Manchester City on April 20. The upcoming fixtures will test the team's ability to bounce back and demonstrate the maturity required to compete at the highest level.