“I thank God they sacked him” – Former Chelsea star slams Mauricio Pochettino after what he did to him say he has no regrets about joining Chelsea
Chelsea’s Divisive Manager, Mauricio Pochettino Well-liked yet controversial
Even though his time at Chelsea was brief, Mauricio Pochettino made a significant impact. He was highly regarded by many on the team, and early in the summer, rumors circulated that several players were already missing him from May.
Not everyone, though, felt the same way. Some people respected the 52-year-old, who is currently coaching the USA national team, while players who felt ignored or abused under his leadership also criticized him.
The Dissatisfaction of Malang Sarr with Pochettino
A defender who had a difficult time at Chelsea, Malang Sarr, is one outspoken opponent of Pochettino’s coaching style. Sarr made just 21 matches in his four years with the club and frequently found himself sidelined, both literally and figuratively.
The situation reached a boiling point when Pochettino claimed not to recognize Sarr during a press conference. This public dismissal, Sarr later revealed, left him deeply hurt.
“I took it badly,” Sarr admitted in an interview with L’Equipe. “It shouldn’t have happened. He knew me—he even tried to sign me at Tottenham. I didn’t ask for an explanation.”
Despite this, the 25-year-old insists he harbors no regrets about his time at Chelsea, though it’s clear his experience under Pochettino was far from ideal.
Cesare Casadei’s Unhappy Stint
Another player left disillusioned by Pochettino’s management is Cesare Casadei. The young midfielder began the 2023/24 season on loan at Leicester City, where he worked under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s current boss.
However, Casadei’s fortunes took a downturn after being recalled to Chelsea in January. He managed just 71 minutes of Premier League action under Pochettino, a situation that understandably left him frustrated.
“I wasn’t very happy,” Casadei admitted. “Everyone would like to play a bit more.”
This season hasn’t been any kinder to the 21-year-old, who has yet to make a Premier League appearance. With midfield stars like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez ahead of him in the pecking order, his chances of breaking into the first team appear slim.
Future Prospects for Sarr and Casadei
For both Sarr and Casadei, leaving Chelsea seems inevitable. While Sarr’s tenure at the club ended on a sour note, Casadei’s development has been stifled by limited opportunities.
One bright spot for Casadei has been Maresca’s faith in him during their time together at Leicester. Maresca has provided the Italian with playing time in competitions like the Conference League and Carabao Cup, acknowledging his potential even when Pochettino did not.
A Manager Who Divides Opinion
Pochettino’s time at Chelsea highlights the complex dynamics of football management. While he earned admiration from some, others like Sarr and Casadei felt overlooked and underappreciated. As the Argentine continues his journey with the USA national team, the mixed legacy he left at Chelsea serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to balance the expectations and aspirations of an entire squad.