Mauricio Pochettino could be the perfect man to lead Chelsea into their new era based on a number of crucial factors. The former Tottenham boss is the clear favourite to take the permanent reigns at Stamford Bridge, although the Blues hierarchy have not yet ruled out appointing other managerial candidates.
The final shortlist, created by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, included Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, Vincent Kompany and one other unknown name. However, Nagelsmann pulled out of the running last Friday, while Kompany doubled down on his desire to stay at Burnley on Monday.
Pochettino has therefore become the primary option for the Blues, with the two parties holding further positive talks in recent weeks. With the hope of becoming Chelsea's next head coach, Pochettino has gone as far as telling his four-man coaching staff to "get ready", as per Fabrizio Romano.
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One of the key reasons why Pochettino could be the man to lead Chelsea into the future was outlined by the man himself over two years ago. Speaking on Monday Night Football, the Argentine explained the importance of building a squad with a clear identity and culture, something that Chelsea have lost over the last 12 months
"They need to be strong," he said. "How you want to create the habit and to translate the principles to your team. The players are important because they put the principles out onto the pitch. Then you need to create the line from the top.
"Be strong in your principles you're going to develop for the thing happening in the way that you want. That was amazing, to feel free, to create something special at Tottenham.
"When you arrive at a new club you need to make some changes. If you arrive in the beginning, easier. If you arrive in the middle, the same, start to build, that's why it's so important to create a big platform and that is what we really believe. The coaching staff is to create that platform where the player can feel comfortable and can improve."
Another major issue prominent in west London, as outlined by interim head coach Frank Lampard, are the fitness levels of Chelsea's first-team squad. “At the minute, it has been mostly conversations and meetings than training pitch stuff," Lampard admitted after the defeat to Brighton. "Training pitch stuff was all pretty walkthrough and low level because of the [tiredness] in the legs.
“It is more about speaking to the players individually. When we do get the chance to work, I think the team needs some physical work. I think that’s important for us because at this level you have to be right on the limit and we are not on the limit right now.
“I think that can be a capacity thing with the players for whatever reason. It doesn’t matter how we got there but it needs to be addressed now.”
What Pochettino can absolutely guarantee to supporters at any team he manages is that work rate levels will never deteriorate. To ensure his players are at the maximum level assistant manager and head of conditioning Jesus Perez holds a crucial role.
Alongside his coaching duties, Perez works closely with the club's medical staff to make sure that the squad are in the best possible physical condition. Pochettino's Tottenham were especially known for their relentless pressing and effort levels.
This season that worry in west London has been exposed by numerous teams who have out-worked Chelsea. Under Pochettino, with a full pre-season in the bank, that is highly unlikely to happen.
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