Mauricio Pochettino was critical of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, saying the pair ‘need to improve’ after recent performances. His comments come after Chelsea suffered consecutive away defeats, losing at Newcastle and Manchester United in less than two weeks.
In quotes reported by Nizaar Kinsella of the London Evening Standard, Pochettino said: “The relationship between them needs to improve, between them and individually. It’s going to be a process.”
“They are young. The expectation is massive when you arrive. It’s not only the individual expectation but the collective expectation at a club like Chelsea. It is not easy… because they need to be part of the solution.”
Chelsea changed too much too soon
Fernandez has made 39 appearances since joining from Benfica in January, scoring three goals with three assists. Caicedo has made 16 appearances since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in August.
Fernandez and Caicedo have started 10 Premier League games together, amassing 857 minutes, so a relationship will take time. Chelsea losing Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and N’Golo Kanté in the same year has cost them dearly.
Todd Boehly changed the majority of players in such a short space of time, so the large squad turnover hasn’t helped new faces settle.
Pochettino won’t be happy with Caicedo and Fernandez’s numbers
Per WhoScored, Fernandez is seventh in Chelsea’s squad for tackles (1.6 per game) and interceptions (0.6 per game), so he’s not delivering. Caicedo is fifth in the squad for tackles (1.8 per game) and interceptions (0.8 per game), so he’s also underwhelmed too.
Only 44% of Fernandez’s dribbles have been successful while only 38% of Caicedo’s dribbles have been successful. The pair aren’t turning over possession frequently enough and are wasteful on the ball, which isn’t great for central midfielders.
Chelsea paid £106.8m for Fernandez while Caicedo set them back £115m (after add-ons), so big things were expected. Pochettino is right to stress caution as the pair are still new to their surroundings, but he wants more.
Chelsea next face Everton in the Premier League and will be desperate to get on track after their recent defeat. Pochettino won’t have Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu and Conor Gallagher available, so Fernandez may have to partner Caicedo.
The pair have had some good performances but need to maintain some consistency in such a key role.
In other news, Chelsea could break their transfer record to sign Victor Osimhen in January
