Mauricio Pochettino’s given Chelsea players a tough pre-season, but it’s what they needed. During the Blues’ preparations in America, the team has delivered a few promising displays against Wrexham, Brighton and Newcastle, but it’s the training session that are making the players feel like they’re finally on the right track.Ben Chilwell : “Pochettino and his staff take a lot of time personally to talk to you. Not even about Football things – family life, what you’re doing away from football, your favourite TV series, what book you’re reading – they take a lot of time to get to know you personally,… pic.twitter.com/ynteGKps18— Pys (@CFCPys) July 28, 2023 Ben Chilwell is currently the third-oldest outfield player at the club – and he feels the entire squad is benefiting from working with the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham boss.”It’s not just a manager-player relationship, it’s more personal where you kind of want to work for each other. I have had similar connections but after two or three weeks it’s pretty rare to feel like you want to run through a wall for someone.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7396533##Chelsea’s poor results last season came because of poor team spirit, managerial changes, owner interference and low morale all did their part, but what remained obvious throughout the campaign is the players weren’t physically fit enough. Chilwell told Evening Standard about the big change.”Last season we weren’t fit enough if we’re being honest, so every player in the squad agreed that was what we needed – and it wasn’t just the first week, it’s continued. The first week was a bit of a shock for everyone. It reminded me of going back to youth team days when we used to call it getting ‘beasted’. It will continue for the rest of the pre-season. Physically we’re all in a good place.”🗣️ Ben Chilwell on taking Mykhailo Mudryk under his wing. “With ‘Misha’ I have seen how good he can be, and I just want to try and help him fulfil that [potential] because I know how much he wants it… pic.twitter.com/gyw6eOwF85— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 28, 2023 Pochettino will select his captain at the end of the pre-season. Reece James, Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling are also in the frame for the role.”I would love to be captain. I was captain of the youth team at Leicester. Whether I get it or not, it’s not going to take away from my role. I don’t think you need an armband to be a leader so whether I get it or I don’t I’ll continue to do what I’m doing.”
