Chelsea press conference notes – Mauricio Pochettino on Arsenal, injury jibe, Mikel Arteta love

A behind the scenes look at Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League showdown with London rivals Arsenal on Saturday evening

When Chelsea takes on Arsenal on Saturday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will attempt to make it four victories in a row for the first time since his hiring. Chelsea started to acquire some much-needed momentum just before the international break with three straight victories over Brighton, Fulham, and Burnley.

But on Saturday, Pochettino faces the task of the Gunners in what is likely going to be his hardest test yet as Chelsea’s manager. Here are some of the major quotes from the Argentine’s media session on Friday afternoon before the game

Best out of a bad situation

Pochettino’s positive attitude was evident as soon as he entered the news conference area at Cobham. Why not, then? Before the international break, his team appeared to be in excellent shape.

While still far from ideal, the Blues’ injury situation is also somewhat improving. Pochettino chuckled in response to the question regarding the injury list, saying, “Have you got time?

We concluded the training session a little bit later than expected, therefore I believe it is time to assess. Axel Disasi, Nico Jackson, and Reece [James] all require evaluation. [Armando] Because Broja rotated his other knee, which has been problematic in the past, he is out of the game.

We will evaluate a few players tomorrow to determine if they can play, sit on the bench, or perhaps be scratched from the roster. Benoit Badiashile might be eligible to sit on the bench as well.

Relishing the Arsenal challenge

Looking back, the Blues’ performance against Liverpool in their opening Premier League matchup was undoubtedly their best under Pochettino. At Stamford Bridge, the Reds got the best of the first 20 or so minutes of the match before Chelsea gradually gained the upper hand.

Is it a coincidence that they were at their best in Liverpool, which was also, arguably, their toughest game of the season thus far? Maybe not, based on Pochettino’s remarks.

Pochettino interrupted a reporter who was asking about how difficult a task Arsenal will be, saying, “I prefer the tough fixtures. “I believe that we must triumph tomorrow. You are well aware that Mikel is a member of my family, and we appreciate Arsenal because they are a wonderful team.

“I’m meeting him tomorrow. Given how well they are performing, it will be difficult. They have a very strong team and roster, and they are performing incredibly well. They are a serious contender to win both the Premier League and the Champions League. Although it will be difficult, we are optimistic that we can give it our all and perform well.

Poch’s love for Arteta

Pochettino hinted to it earlier, but it was easy to see how much he loved Mikel Arteta. He always referred to the Arsenal manager with a bright smile on his face.

Both Arteta and Pochettino joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2001, where they played together and forged strong bonds of friendship. They both have the utmost respect for one another and their friendship continues to this day.

Pochettino responded when questioned about his friendship with Arteta, “Amazing memories.” “When you get along with someone like him, you realize that we have similar beliefs and a love of football in common. And I can confirm that he is a member of my family.

“We lived extremely near to one another after the first few months in the hotel where we initially met when he arrived in Paris, and we spent time with our families as well. It had a fascinating background, and I wasn’t astonished by what he is doing since, in all honesty, he was a coach when he was just 17 years old.

“He was a coach, and I can assure you that he had excellent judgment in terms of how he viewed football. It has not astonished me because he is still quite young and constantly developing. He has the potential to become one of the best managers ever.