Pochettino’s Take on Player Motivation
Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea Football Club, recently made clear his views on the motivation of his players. In a statement, Pochettino expressed his concerns, stating, “If you ask me if we need to motivate the players for tomorrow… we have a big problem”. He emphasized that the real issue lies not in motivating the players but in their ability to perform under pressure.
Addressing Performance Issues
Pochettino further elaborated that the responsibility to motivate players should not be a primary concern, suggesting that professional players should have inherent motivation. He remarked, “If we are responsible to motivate the players… wow. It’s difficult to accept”. This statement underlines his belief that motivation should be player-driven, focusing instead on enhancing their performance capabilities.
Recent Context and Support
The comments from Pochettino come at a time when Chelsea has been under significant scrutiny for their recent performances. Despite the criticism, Pochettino has defended his squad, as seen in previous statements where he discussed the pressures and responsibilities faced by the team. Additionally, support has come from peers such as Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, who recently expressed his backing for Pochettino amidst Chelsea’s challenging phase.
Pochettino’s recent reflections also touched upon Chelsea’s prospects in European competitions, indicating his broader strategic concerns for the club’s performance on multiple fronts.