Mauricio Pochettino flew straight to Spain for a three-day break after Chelsea won their third straight Premier League title, but it’s no wonder the Argentine knows he can’t switch off Not–even if you want to be left alone with your thoughts.
Despite losing to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Chelsea have revived their hopes of qualifying for Europe in recent weeks, but Pochettino still has things to think about during his short spell away. A lot.
Cole Palmer’s penalty was almost enough to seal the win against Fulham, but Chelsea look in dire need of a goalscorer again, with Pochett in each of their last three league championships. Coach Tino’s team persevered despite panicking in the final stages.
Pochettino’s phone won’t ring as he awaits news on Christopher Nkunku’s injury, but Chelsea’s 10-day break between games gives the club an opportunity to assess its options in the transfer market That means you need to be near your phone even if you want to.
“We have to give the players and staff some rest because it’s a really busy period and we need to breathe a little bit. This break will be very beneficial,” Pochettino said.
“I have to go see my family. [in Spain] And it would be good to make some changes. I can’t really switch off – not with the chairman. You need to be available 24 hours a day in case the sporting director or owner calls you. I know that in football something can always come up.
“To be honest, I’d rather the phone not ring. It’s much better for me if it doesn’t ring.”