Stats Don’t Lie: Pochettino Improved Chelsea, But Was It Enough?

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Olawale Kareem

Kareem Olawale is a sports writer and also a Manchester United fan
Mauricio Pochettino. Credit: Goal

Chelsea FC has announced the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino after just a season at the club. This news has generated a lot of debate among Chelsea fans and a lot of fervour among the players. This sack came despite their improved form towards the end of the season thereby shocking Chelsea players and fans.

Pochettino
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – AS Monaco v Paris St Germain – Stade Louis II, Monaco – March 20, 2022 Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

Since the announcement of his sacking, the question being asked everywhere is if sacking him is a mistake or the right decision.

 

Improved players

Contrary to popular beliefs, the stats has shown Mauricio Pochettino has actually improved a great deal of Chelsea players. Though this may be hard to believe, it was quite evident towards the end of their season.

Nicholas Jackson rack of a total 17 goals and 5 assist for Chelsea despite not even being a regular starter for Villarreal in the previous season. He came into the premier league as a prospect yet he score a total of 14 non penalty goals for Chelsea in his first season. Some may argued that he missed a lot of chances but that may be flawed as Nicholas Jackson missed a total of 24 big chances compared to Haaland’s 34 big chances missed yet Haaland scored 27 goals in the league yet Jackson only scored 14. This could be as a result of the team not creating enough chances.

Jackson
Nicholas Jackson Stats via Transfermarket

Another player to be Considered is Cole Palmer who is arguably the signing of the season. Prior to joining Pochettino’s team, Palmer only had 1 premier league goal and was deemed not good enough to start for Man city. Yet in his very first season under Pochettino, he scored a whooping 22 goals and 11 assists. Apart for his goal contribution, he was also instrumental towards Chelsea’s resurgence which was evident in him winning the Young Player of the season and PFA Premier league Fans Player of the Year award.

palmer
Cole Palmer Young Player of the Year award

Also players like Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Gusto, Noni Madueke and Cucurella have all showed improvement towards the end of the season compared to the beginning of the season. These all shows the backroom work done by Pochettino.

Players Reaction To His Sack

Maricio Pochettino sack came as a shock to the players and according to telegraph.uk , the players had to be calling their agents to verify the news. After confirming the news, the players took to social media to express the disbelief and support to the manager.

Nicholas Jackson reacted on Instagram:

“Love you coach. Wish we could stay together more.”

“But may God continue to bless you and your family. Thanks for the advices and support, you’re a true lion and a fighter, wish you all the best.”

Nicholas Jackson
Nicholas Jackson reaction

Also Moises Caicedo reacted saying: “Mister! It was a pleasure . “I wish you all the best for the future! What a person and what a coach.”

Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo reaction to Pochettino sack

Cole Palmer also reacted:

 “Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me and making my dreams come true. All the best.”

Cole Palmer

Other Chelsea players also showed their love and support for the manager. This shows the players believed in the manager’s project

Will Chelsea Regret Sacking Pochettino

A lot of Chelsea fans have the reacting over this topics. Those in support of the manager argued that the team has finally gotten an identity, the manager eventually got time playing his way and the results were becoming exceptional which was evident in the late qualification to European competition. So why stop the obviously working project to start a new one entirely. Yet other section of the fans believed its right to seek a better manger.
Which of the two parties are right? Only time will tell.

 

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