Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Chelsea learned they must “compete in different way” as they bounced back from some miserable form with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.
The pressure was well and truly on Pochettino after two games which saw Chelsea thoroughly humbled by both Liverpool and Wolves, but Chelsea responded with a sensational performance that saw them breeze past Villa and into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
“The difference, I think the performance was really good. We really feel good because we realise that we need to compete in different way,” Pochettino reflected.
“The way we competed in the Aston Villa game was the way we need to approach the games. In the games, we need to feel we can perform in this way. I think it was a good opportunity and a good game for now to try and be consistent in the next game.
“I think before we also had some good performances but after were not consistent enough. But maybe it can be the starting point for us to start to be consistent and to show more often this type of performance.
“Always we believe that is the moment and the time to be consistent. Hope because it’s going to be a very good thing for us. I think the players deserve because they are working very hard from the start of the season.
“This type of game shows our capacity and the talent we have available for the squad. We need to behave in the way that we behave and approach in the way that we approach. There’s too many good things to keep now for the future.”
Among the biggest tactical tweaks for the game was the introduction of striker Nicolas Jackson as a left winger – a role Pochettino believes may help get the best out of the Senegal international.
“The starting point, yes, he was on the left. But football is dynamic and he has to move, no?” Pochettino continued. “Yes, I think he is a player that can play in this place. I am so happy because the characteristics, he always plays better when he is facing the goal rather than his back to the goal.
“He is more comfortable. The pace, the speed, the capacity to arrive from the second line. He showed in the goal he scored how he arrives from the second line and can score. I am so happy because the commitment is amazing, also. After arriving from the Africa Cup of Nations, it is important for him to recover and feel the net. So happy. Very pleased with his performance.”
Chelsea are back in action on Monday when they travel to face a Crystal…
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