After the team won three straight games in the Premier League for the first time since October 2022, Mauricio Pochettino decided to give his players “time to breathe.”
After defeating Fulham 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the team has now collected 12 points from its last five league games and is just three points out of the top six.
Chelsea’s next game is not until January 23, when they play the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough. The team is hoping to overcome a 1-0 deficit and advance to their first major final since 2021.
Pochettino will take the opportunity to allow his side time off rather than following the example of other top-flight clubs, many of whom have opted to use the league’s winter break to embark on warm-weather training camps.
He declared, “We need to give the players and staff some rest.” “They need to take a little break; they’ve been extremely busy lately. This is a well-earned break.
“After that, we’ll get ready. We have seven days to prepare for the second leg against Middlesbrough. After that, we play Tuesday against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, followed by a Premier League match against Liverpool on Wednesday. Three distinct contests.
I believe they should take a few days off. They are deserving of it. The second half of the season should then be attacked. They require a little respite.”
Pochettino has made hints that, with Christopher Nkunku still sidelined due to a hip injury, the team may look to the transfer market in January to find a striker.
The manager acknowledged that the France international’s issue had grown “complicated,” especially since striker Nicolas Jackson is expected to miss the majority of the month due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Armando Broja, meanwhile, is still trying to get back on track after missing nine months due to an ACL injury and only making his comeback in September.
Chelsea’s goal to defeat Fulham came from a penalty awarded by Cole Palmer in extra time at the end of the first half, and overall, home fans had to put up with another frustrating attacking performance.
Although the transfer window is still open, Pochettino stated that he doubts he will be able to take a break from his work.
He said, “You have to be available at all times.” “I must communicate with the owners and sporting director in the event of an incident. since anything could always happen.”
