Mauricio Pochettino, the current manager of Chelsea, has openly criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, claiming it has negatively affected the reputation of English football. In a recent statement, Pochettino expressed his frustration with VAR, describing it as both “unbelievable” and “ridiculous” following a series of controversial decisions.
“It was a goal. It’s unbelievable and ridiculous,” Pochettino remarked, reflecting his dismay over a disallowed goal. He also referenced a prior incident from a match against Manchester City, where a handball was not awarded as a penalty, adding to his grievances with the current state of refereeing aided by technology.
Recent Controversies and Statements
Pochettino’s recent outbursts come amid a tumultuous period for Chelsea, with several decisions going against them. On April 19, Pochettino addressed what he termed ‘penalty chaos’ in a match, which has been a recurring theme in his critiques. Furthermore, on April 27, he was notably outraged by a disallowed goal incident, which has fueled his current views on the VAR system.
In addition to his criticisms of refereeing decisions, Pochettino has also been vocal about the pressures and responsibilities of managing Chelsea. He has highlighted the need for team responsibility and motivation, which suggests his broader concerns with not just officiating but overall team performance and morale.
Pochettino’s strong stance on VAR and its implementation reflects a growing debate within the football community about the effectiveness and fairness of technological assistance in officiating football matches.