Coach Mauricio Pochettino wants Chelsea to show their mettle and play offensively when they visit defending champions Man City in round 25 of the Premier League.
The first leg at Stamford Bridge in November 2023 was a spectacular affair, with eight goals shared between the two teams and split evenly over the two halves. Man City took the lead three times, but their opponents equalised each time.
Ahead of the rematch at the Etihad, Pochettino insisted Chelsea would not defend and allow Man City - who have lost just one Premier League home game in nearly two years - to freely control possession and apply pressure.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (left) directs the end of the 4-4 draw between Man City at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on November 12, 2023. Photo: Reuters
"The lesson from the last game is that we are going to play against one of the best teams in the world , but at the same time you have to be brave enough to force them to defend, to sit back and defend their goal," the 51-year-old Argentine coach said at a pre-match press conference on February 16. "If we go out and wait and see what happens, Man City will dominate and make you suffer. The most important thing is that we need to attack, run and work together. The whole team has to be brave to challenge them."
Cole Palmer scored the winner in the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg, netting a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The English midfielder has been Chelsea's star performer this season, scoring 10 goals in 20 Premier League games since leaving Man City for $53.5 million.
Pochettino praised Palmer for being smart, playing well under pressure and not having to prove anything to Man City. According to him, Man City is the strongest club in the world and it is not easy for a 21-year-old player like Palmer to break into the first team.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson saves Cole Palmer's shot at Stamford Bridge in round 12 of the Premier League on November 12. Photo: Reuters
However, Pochettino admitted he was surprised by his player's ability to adapt quickly. "It seems like Palmer came from Brazil or Argentina," he said. "He adapted very quickly. Sometimes, one of the strengths of South American players is that they come to Europe and adapt very quickly. Some English players, going from North to South or vice versa, say it's difficult to adapt because the weather, the language, everything is different."
Pochettino wants to beat Man City and has not yet planned for the League Cup final against Liverpool on February 25. "We are a team with ups and downs and need to grow and find stability," he analyzed. "First we need to think about trying to win and then see what happens in the next game. I don't think the result will affect the match after the Liverpool match."
Pochettino confirmed Chelsea will be without Thiago Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka through injury, while Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto and Robert Sanchez are all available.
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