(Reuters) – Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, expressed confidence in his involvement in the club’s decisions about strengthening the squad during the January transfer window. He emphasized the importance of “good communication” with the club’s hierarchy.
Pochettino, who took on the role in May, had previously urged the club to delve deeper into the transfer market in order to improve the team, especially considering the approximately 1 billion pounds ($1.27 billion) already spent on new players since a U.S.-led takeover in 2022.
Chelsea has managed three consecutive wins at Stamford Bridge in the league, breaking a long streak of poor home form that dated back to last season when they finished 12th. They currently hold the 10th position after earning 25 points from 19 matches.
Pochettino told reporters, “It’s obvious that the head coach, coach or manager is crazy to think he won’t be involved in any decisions for the future in my area.” He stressed that he will share his input with the owners and the sporting director and cannot fathom not being involved in decisions.
A total of 12 players left west London on permanent deals while 11 joined the team, including Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Robert Sanchez.
When asked if he anticipates a calmer transfer window than last summer, Pochettino said, “Yes, of course. It’s not only my advice, it is about how we are sharing with the owners and the sporting directors. There is very good communication, we talk every single day and we will take decisions because we are all agreed.”
Chelsea’s next match is against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road later on Saturday.
($1 = 0.7856 pounds)
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by William Maclean)
